Saudi tourism spending seen to hit SAR 144 bln in 2016

Saudi and foreign tourists are expected to spend a total of SAR 144.3 billion in the kingdom during 2016, state news agency SPA reported, citing Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Amri, director of Saudi commission for tourism and national heritage's (SCTH) branch in Makkah.

Domestic tourism spending will likely reach SAR 53.5 billion over the period, accounting for an estimated 37 percent of total tourism expenditure in the country.

Meanwhile, spending from foreign tourists is forecast to hit SAR 90.8 billion, or 63 percent of total spending.

In addition, 11 investments in the hospitality sector will likely result in 2,800 hotel rooms, being added in the second half of this year.

On the other hand, Saudi tourists are projected to spend SAR 86.4 billion abroad this year.