How Tourism Marketing Became a Global Attraction Driver for Saudi Arabia

Quick Summary

• The latest official figures reveal that tourism spending in the Kingdom has reached unprecedented historical levels.

• The number of visitors has exceeded tens of millions, both international and domestic, reflecting the vitality of the sector.

• Destinations are no longer limited to Makkah and Madinah; regions such as Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Asir have emerged as new players.

• This growth confirms that tourism marketing has become a strategic tool for diversifying the economy and building the Kingdom’s global image.

Tourism: From a Limited Season to a Continuous Industry

Recent official data indicates that:

• Tourism spending in the Kingdom continues to grow steadily compared to previous years.

• Visitors are staying longer and seeking more diverse experiences.

• Tourist sources are spread across Gulf, Asian, and Arab countries, reinforcing market diversity.

Key Transformations:

• From purely religious tourism … to a mix of religious, cultural, and entertainment tourism.

• From limited seasonality … to a year-round calendar of events.

• From a purely local audience … to a growing global audience year after year.

Platforms That Shaped a Different Tourism

• Mega Projects: AlUla, the Red Sea, and NEOM have turned into global marketing stories.

• Seasons: Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province have become annual festivals attracting visitors.

• Sports: Formula 1, golf, and boxing brought global visitors and media coverage.

• New Destinations: Regions like Asir recorded remarkable growth and became part of Saudi Arabia’s tourism narrative.

Each platform provides a golden triad:

1. Wider global reach.

2. Greater international credibility.

3. Authentic and ready-made content for storytelling.

The Infrastructure That Enhanced the Experience

• Hotels and furnished apartments now cater to diverse segments (families and individual travelers).

• Digital transformation has simplified everything from e-visas to booking experiences and trips.

• Transport: New airports and high-speed rail have completely changed the visitor’s journey.

• Local talent: Tour guides, content creators, and Saudi teams now compete globally.

What Tourism Marketing Needs to Do Today

• Build an authentic Saudi narrative (hospitality, heritage, modernity).

• Align campaigns with the national calendar (seasons + events + cities).

• Focus on real value (bookings, spending, length of stay).

• Address key markets in their own languages.

• Use official data to convince investors and advertisers that the sector is in continuous growth.

Five Ready-to-Apply Saudi Tourism Ideas

1. “Longer Stay, Deeper Experience” to highlight tourists’ tendency to stay longer.

2. Campaigns targeting specific markets (such as Egypt, Pakistan, Indonesia) in their languages and cultures.

3. A focused narrative around Asir as “nature + culture.”

4. Content showcasing diverse accommodation options from 5-star hotels to budget apartments.

5. Smart partnerships with sports and cultural seasons to increase awareness and bookings.

How We Support This Transformation at Maznexa

• Strategy: Align brand goals with Saudi Vision 2030 tourism priorities.

• Creativity: Produce Saudi-first content tailored for each platform.

• Performance: Link digital campaigns to real outcomes (bookings/sales).

• Influencers: Select with clear contracts and measurable impact.

• Partnerships: Collaborate with seasons, cities, and mega projects.

Conclusion

Today, Saudi Arabia proves its ability to transform tourism into a global economic engine, with unprecedented figures.
At Maznexa, we are proud to be part of this movement, working with our partners to craft authentic Saudi marketing stories that reflect our culture and compete globally.