Saudi Arabia aims to attract 3m visitors to Aseer in 2026

Saudi Arabia’s Aseer region is targeting more than three million visitors during its 2026 tourism season as it expands accommodation capacity, increases investment in hospitality and prepares a calendar of more than 100 events and experiences.

The region currently offers more than 14,000 tourism accommodation units through international and local operators, alongside licensed rural tourism properties. The Aseer Region Development Authority (ASDA) is working with private sector partners and Public Investment Fund (PIF) companies to add more than 5,000 additional accommodation units through projects under development, supporting rising visitor demand under Saudi Vision 2030.

ASDA has also launched an interactive digital map, allowing visitors to plan their itineraries around nearby attractions, events and dedicated tourism routes. The 2026 tourism season will feature cultural and heritage experiences, including Abu Sarah Palaces, Al-Yanfa Village and the Sawt Abha Festival. The redeveloped Tuesday Market heritage souq, will also reopen, while Talal Maddah Theater will host cultural and artistic events. 

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Growth is being supported by major infrastructure and hospitality investments, with private sector funding in Aseer reaching SAR5 billion (US$1.33 billion). The region’s flagship development, Soudah Peaks, is a PIF-backed luxury mountain destination, with the first phase set to include 940 hotel rooms by 2027 and 2,700 rooms planned by 2030. Separately, Abha International Airport (ABH) is preparing for a major expansion that will increase annual capacity to 12 million passengers.

The expansion comes as Saudi’s tourism sector continues to post record growth. Ministry of Tourism data showed visitor numbers reached a record 123 million in 2025, while tourism spending increased to SR304 billion (US$81.1 billion). Non-religious travel accounted for 52% of inbound overnight visits, up from 44% in 2019, pointing to the kingdom’s continued tourism diversification.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) also reported that travel and tourism contributed US$178 billion to Saudi’s GDP in 2025, up 7.4% year-on-year, highlighting the sector’s growing contribution to the kingdom’s economy.

For more information,visit www.visitsaudi.com