Riyadh Welcomes 15.1 Million Tourists by Q3 End, Marking Robust Growth in Tourism and Hospitality

Riyadh’s Rapid Rise as a Global Tourist Destination

By the close of the third quarter in 2025, Riyadh emerged as a thriving hotspot with over 15.1 million tourists visiting from both inside Saudi Arabia and abroad. This surge shines a spotlight on Riyadh’s increasing stature on the international tourism stage and the Kingdom’s ongoing push to diversify its economy beyond oil.

Stunning Growth in Tourism Spending

The financial footprint of these visitors was equally impressive, with total tourist expenditure in the Riyadh region reaching approximately 33 billion riyals (around $8.8 billion). This figure represents an 18% increase year on year, a testament to the city’s growing allure and the rising confidence of travelers investing more in local experiences, hospitality, and services.

Strategic Vision Driving the Tourism Surge

The Riyadh tourism boom isn’t an isolated spike but part of a deliberate and well-structured strategy. As a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda, the sector’s growth aims to reduce reliance on hydrocarbon revenues by fostering a vibrant service economy.

Na stránkách National Tourism Strategy has set ambitious targets, with a bold goal of attracting 150 million visitors by the end of this decade. Riyadh’s increased visitor numbers and spending align perfectly with these projections, reflecting successful policy implementations and infrastructure development.

Expanding Infrastructure and Capacity

One key indicator of Riyadh’s hospitality evolution is the sharp rise in available accommodation. The number of tourist rooms jumped by 34% year on year to about 50,000 rooms by the third quarter of 2025. This rapid growth in hotel capacity shows the city’s readiness to host an expanding influx of visitors, from business travelers to leisure tourists.

[table border=”1″ cellpadding=”5″ cellspacing=”0″] MetrickéThird Quarter 2024Third Quarter 2025Year-on-Year Change Number of Tourists (Millions)~12.815.1+18% Tourist Spending (Billion Riyals)28.033.0+18% Tourist Rooms Available37,31350,000+34% Registered Tour Guides467673+44% [/table]

Growth in Tour Guides Reflects a Flourishing Sector

Besides infrastructure, human capital is flourishing with the number of certified tour guides rising by 44% in just one year, reaching 673 registered guides. Professional guides are essential in elevating the visitor experience, helping tourists traverse Riyadh’s cultural and historical layers more effectively.

Domestic Tourism Also on the Rise

While global visitors have streamed in, domestic tourists are equally important to Riyadh’s tourism ecosystem. Domestic tourism spending across Saudi Arabia reached an impressive 105 billion riyals by the end of Q3 2025, mirroring the same 18% growth rate. This robust local demand underscores the developing propensity of Saudi residents to explore their own country, benefiting city transportation, dining, and leisure sectors.

Důsledky pro taxislužbu a přepravu

Riyadh’s tourism upswing naturally complements the growing demand for convenient, reliable, and diverse transportation options. Visitors needing seamless transfers between the airport, hotels, conference venues, shopping districts, and cultural sites make local taxi and transfer services indispensable. Platforms like GetTransfer.com elevate this experience by letting tourists and business travelers choose exact vehicles by model, view driver ratings in advance, and enjoy transparent pricing free from the usual ambiguity of traditional booking systems.

Why Transparency and Choice Matter for Visitors

When navigating an expanding city least to seasoned business hubs and vibrant historic districts, the ability for tourists to book a private transfer or a specific car type, from a sedan to a spacious limousine, can significantly impact their comfort and overall impression. Unlike conventional apps or aggregators that can hide prices and vehicle details, GetTransfer.com empowers travelers to make an informed choice, ensuring fair fares and drivers who hold proper licenses and trustworthy reviews.

Klíčové poznatky

• Riyadh has welcomed a remarkable 15.1 million tourists by Q3 2025, showcasing its rise as a prominent regional destination.
• Tourist spending grew by 18% year on year, reaching nearly 33 billion riyals, reflecting greater investment in experiences and services.
• Accommodation options expanded by 34%, with 50,000 rooms available, aligning with the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 goals.
• The number of registered tour guides increased by 44%, highlighting a maturing tourism workforce ready to deliver quality experiences.
• Domestic tourist expenditure also rose robustly, signaling a balanced tourism ecosystem that supports local travel demand.

Balancing Insights with Personal Experience

While statistics and reviews paint a promising picture of Riyadh’s tourism growth, the true measure comes from firsthand experience. Even the most glowing testimonials cannot substitute walking the city streets or sitting back comfortably in a trusted cab, grouped by verified providers and fair prices. On GetTransfer, travelers can select cars with drivers from reputable companies offering transparency, comfort, and competitive fares. This ensures avoiding costly surprises and making the most of every journey—whether airport transfers, city tours, or business trips.

With its wide choice of vehicles and additional services, GetTransfer.com empowers visitors to focus on what matters most—enjoying the destination without transportation hassles. Book your ride today on GetTransfer.com and experience Riyadh with ease.

Looking Ahead: Riyadh’s Expanding Role on the Tourism Map

Though Riyadh’s rise might not drastically reshape the global tourism map on its own, it is undeniably a significant milestone for the Middle East and Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification ambitions. The momentum gained signals a growing urban and cultural hub attracting diverse visitors. As the city’s tourism infrastructure and services evolve, including taxi and transfer networks, it offers travelers a rich blend of heritage, modern amenities, and reliable transport solutions.

Keeping pace with these developments, GetTransfer remains committed to offering transparent, convenient, and tailored transfer services globally. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with GetTransfer.

Souhrn

Riyadh’s impressive milestone of welcoming over 15 million tourists by the third quarter of 2025 illustrates its dynamic transformation into a major travel destination within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 framework. Visitor spending and the hospitality sector have expanded significantly, supported by a growing supply of accommodations and professional guides. These advances not only boost the local economy but also create increasing demand for efficient and trustworthy transportation services. Platforms like GetTransfer.com cater perfectly to this need by enabling travelers to book cars and drivers with full transparency, fair prices, and extensive options spanning private taxis, limousines, and shuttles. This seamless combination of rapid tourism growth and user-friendly transfer solutions marks Riyadh as a city ready to welcome the world in style and comfort.