Riyadh: The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) issued a statement highlighting key findings from its 2025 Economic Impact Report for the Middle East, underscoring the Kingdom's continued strong performance and regional leadership in the travel and tourism sector.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Saudi Arabia represents the largest tourism economy in the Middle East, with the sector's total contribution estimated at approximately $178 billion in 2025. This accounts for 46% of the region's tourism economy, based on the council's methodology, which includes direct, indirect, and induced contributions to GDP.

The report indicated that the sector's total contribution to the Kingdom's GDP grew by approximately 7.4% in 2025, nearly double the global average growth rate of 4.1%. Regionally, the Kingdom outperformed the Middle East average growth rate of 5.3%, reinforcing its position as the fastest-growing tourism market in the region.

These figures reflect Saudi Arabia's sustained progress since the launch of its comprehensive transformation under Vision 2030, further consolidating its leadership in the regional tourism landscape.

The report also highlighted the role of business tourism as a key driver of growth, noting the Kingdom's emergence as a major hub for conferences, exhibitions, and international events. This development has strengthened its standing as a global tourism destination with diversified demand sources.

WTTC findings align with other international and national reports confirming the sector's continued expansion. The Kingdom's Vision 2030 Annual Report for 2025 projected that the total number of domestic and international tourists would reach approximately 123 million, further reinforcing Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global tourism destination.