Travel Behavior in Saudi Arabia

Middle East Dominates Saudi Leisure Travel Destinations

A significant 85% of Saudi travelers plan to embark on international leisure trips in 2024, signaling strong outbound travel intent. Interestingly, despite this enthusiasm for global exploration, 53% of Saudis have chosen Middle Eastern destinations as their top pick for international travel over the past five years. North Africa comes next at 19%, followed by Southeast Asia and Western Europe.

This trend underlines the deep-rooted regional preferences and cultural connections that influence Saudi travel choices. While the Middle East remains a dominant destination, there is untapped potential for growth in regions like North Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe. For the travel industry, this presents clear opportunities: promoting intra-regional tourism while also expanding offerings in lesser-visited areas to diversify Saudi travelers' options.

Cost and Relaxation Drive Saudi Travel Planning

When planning international trips, Saudi travelers prioritize cost and affordability (32%), free time for relaxation (24%), and all-inclusive experiences (22%). In terms of travel style, relaxation and discovery trips are the clear favorite, with 76% of Saudis preferring this option. By comparison, festive trips and health-focused journeys attract smaller segments. This data suggests that Saudi travelers are looking for experiences that balance affordability with the chance to unwind, making leisure-driven packages that combine relaxation with cultural exploration a key market opportunity.

Digital Booking Leads Saudi Travel Arrangements

Saudi travelers are evenly split in their approach to trip planning, with 50% opting to arrange their travel independently and the other 50% relying on agencies or a combination of both. However, a significant 69% of Saudi travelers book their trips through online platforms, underscoring a strong preference for digital tools. This mix of preferences presents opportunities for the travel industry to cater to both independent planners and those seeking guided experiences. Industry players should focus on offering flexible, self-service options while maintaining solid partnerships with travel agencies. A strong online presence is crucial for reaching Saudi tourists, particularly those leaning toward digital solutions for travel bookings. 69% of Saudi travelers book their trips through online platforms, underscoring a strong preference for digital tools. By balancing digital convenience with personalized services, businesses can effectively meet the diverse needs of this market.

Saudia Airline Dominates Saudi Traveler Preferences

Saudia Airline holds a commanding 67.5% preference among Saudi travelers, significantly outpacing its competitors. Emirates follows with 16.9%, while Flynas and Qatar Airways account for 10.3% and 9.6%, respectively. This strong loyalty to Saudi Arabia’s national carrier highlights its prominent role in the market, driven by brand affinity and a deep connection with local travelers.