Saudi Arabia Sees 89% Surge in Licensed Hospitality Facilities in 2024
Driven by growth in Makkah and tourism reforms, the Kingdom reached 4,425 licensed hotels and guesthouses nationwide.
The total number of licensed tourism accommodation facilities in Saudi Arabia rose by 89% year-on-year in 2024, according to a new report from the Ministry of Tourism. The number of establishments reached 4,425 across the Kingdom, reflecting both rising demand and a strategic push to elevate Saudi Arabia’s global tourism profile.
The Makkah province led this growth, adding 1,030 licensed facilities by the end of 2024—an 80% increase from the previous year. The surge comes as part of efforts to accommodate the millions of pilgrims and religious tourists visiting the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah.
The Ministry of Tourism attributed the sector’s momentum to ongoing reforms, increased private sector participation, and a streamlined licensing system. These steps align with Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy, which aims to boost tourism’s contribution to GDP from 3% to 10% and welcome 150 million visitors annually by 2030.
The expansion in hospitality infrastructure also complements recent initiatives such as the launch of the Saudi Tourism Investment Portal, the introduction of digital tourist visas, and partnerships with global hospitality brands.
