Saudi Arabia’s hotel occupancy climbed to 49.1% during Q3 2025, marking significant growth alongside a dramatic rise in licensed tourism facilities nationwide. General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) data reveals robust industry momentum with rising employment and rapidly multiplying hospitality establishments across the Kingdom. This expansion reflects accelerating progress toward Vision 2030’s tourism transformation goals under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership.
The Tourism Establishments Statistics bulletin confirmed hotel room occupancy jumped 2.9 percentage points from 46.1% in Q3 2024. Meanwhile, serviced apartments maintained strong performance at 57.4% occupancy despite a marginal 0.6-point dip year-on-year. Total licensed tourism facilities surged to 5,622 establishments—a remarkable 40.6% increase over the previous year’s 3,998 facilities. Serviced apartments dominated the landscape with 2,955 locations, while hotels accounted for 2,667 properties nationwide.
Workforce Growth and Nationalization Success
Tourism sector employment reached 1,009,691 workers in Q3 2025, growing 6.4% compared to 948,629 workers during the same period last year. Notably, Saudi nationals comprised 245,171 positions, representing 24.3% of the total workforce—a critical milestone in Saudization efforts. Male employees totaled 875,658 (86.7%), while female participation rose to 134,033 workers (13.3%), demonstrating inclusive sector development.
Average hotel stays settled at 4.1 nights during the quarter, showing only a slight 1% decrease from 2024’s 4.2-night average. Guests in serviced apartments stayed approximately 2.1 nights, with occupancy patterns indicating strong domestic tourism resilience. GASTAT compiled these insights through integrated administrative records, statistical surveys and secondary data sources for comprehensive accuracy.
Strategic Vision Delivers Results
This hospitality boom directly supports Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification strategy as global travelers discover the Kingdom’s cultural treasures and entertainment destinations. Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb emphasized that infrastructure growth creates high-quality jobs for Saudi youth while showcasing national heritage. Consequently, international hotel brands continue expanding partnerships with local developers across Riyadh, Jeddah, and NEOM.
Moreover, rising occupancy rates prove growing confidence in Saudi Arabia’s tourism ecosystem despite seasonal fluctuations. Investors recognize the Kingdom’s commitment to world-class visitor experiences through giga-projects and streamlined licensing procedures. Vision 2030’s focus on quality service standards ensures sustainable growth as new facilities open near historical sites and entertainment zones.
Saudi Arabia’s hospitality trajectory remains exceptionally bright as record facility numbers meet increasing visitor demand. The Ministry of Tourism projects continued double-digit growth through 2026 with enhanced international marketing campaigns. These achievements underscore the Kingdom’s emergence as a premier global destination where tradition meets innovation.
