Saudi domestic tourism rises 16% in first quarter, ministry data show
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RIYADH, April 9 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - Domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia rose sharply in the first quarter of 2026, with the number of local tourists reaching about 28.9 million, up 16% from a year earlier, according to preliminary data from the Ministry of Tourism.
Domestic tourism spending reached SAR34.7 billion during the period, an increase of 8%, while the total number of domestic and international tourists climbed to around 37.2 million, with combined spending of about SAR82.7 billion.
The ministry said tourism hospitality facilities posted an average occupancy rate of 59% in the first quarter, led by Madinah at 82%, followed by Makkah at 60% and Jeddah at 59%.
