The Ministry of Tourism’s preliminary data revealed strong growth in domestic tourism in the Kingdom in Q1 2026, with the number of domestic tourists estimated at around 28.9 million, up by 16% compared to Q1 2025. Domestic tourism spending during the same period reached an estimated SAR 34.7 billion, up by nearly 8% compared to Q1 2025, reflecting the strength of domestic demand and its continued role in supporting the resilience and momentum of the Kingdom’s tourism sector. Amid volatility in the regional landscape, this growth underscores the diversity of tourism demand drivers in Saudi Arabia and the ability of the Kingdom’s tourism industry to adapt to crises, maintain market stability and confidence, and sustain visitor flows. The Ministry of Tourism’s preliminary data also showed that the total number of domestic and inbound tourists in the Kingdom in Q1 2026 reached an estimated 37.2 million during, while total domestic and inbound tourism spending is estimated at SAR 82.7 billion. The Ministry also released preliminary figures on occupancy rates in Q1 2026, stating that occupancy rate in accommodation facilities reached 59%. Madinah saw the highest occupancy rate in Q1 2026 at around 82%, followed by Makkah at 60%, and Jeddah at 59%, all according to preliminary data. Furthermore, the Ministry underlined the strong domestic tourism performance during the Ramadan and Eid school vacation period, with preliminary figures indicating that the number of domestic tourists across the Kingdom’s destinations reached 10.0 million, marking a 14% growth versus Q1 2025. Domestic tourism spending during the same period reached SAR 10.2 billion, reflecting growth of 5% compared to the corresponding period last year. Domestic leisure tourism peaked during the school vacation period, particularly in Red Sea destinations and Jeddah, supported by a promotional campaign launched by the Saudi tourism ecosystem, represented by the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). The campaign included tourism packages developed with private sector partners for booking at selected resorts in the Red Sea, Jeddah, AlUla, and other destinations, with occupancy at some of these properties reaching 100%. The Ministry highlighted that these figures reflect the strength and resilience of Saudi Arabia’s tourism market, supported by strong domestic demand and the diversity of tourism offerings. These factors reinforce the sector’s stability and sustain its growth momentum. The Ministry of Tourism will issue a special report containing additional details of the tourism sector’s performance in Q1 2026, to be available through the Ministry’s social media accounts and official website.
Dr Shehara Rizly Fernando manages Middle East content, bringing over three decades of experience across print, broadcast, and digital journalism in Asia and the Middle East region. Beginning as a broadcast journalist, she transitioned into print and digital platforms, covering news, travel, tourism and destinations, hotel development, and aviation. She is also a strong advocate for women in the industry, consistently championing their growth and empowerment throughout her career.
