Domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia is experiencing a surge in popularity. A recent report shows that over half of travel bookings made on a popular platform were for local destinations in the first four months of 2024. This represents a significant increase compared to the same period last year.
Tourists are flocking to popular destinations like Makkah, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Abha, while also showing interest in exploring emerging areas like AlUla, Tabuk, and Hail. This growth is attributed to the success of government and private sector initiatives aimed at boosting local tourism.
Travel trends are reflecting this boom. With a thriving tourism sector, travelers are seeking enriching experiences within Saudi Arabia. The addition of more flight routes and the rise of low-cost carriers are making travel more affordable. Interestingly, despite opting for budget-friendly flights, many Saudi travelers are also indulging in luxury hotel stays.
While domestic travel is flourishing, Saudis are still venturing abroad. Popular international destinations include Dubai, Doha, and Cairo. However, there’s a growing interest in exploring new horizons, with a shift towards South Asian and Far Eastern destinations like Tokyo, Singapore, and Bangkok. European cities are also emerging as trendy choices.
The tourism sector is proving to be a significant contributor to the Saudi economy. Spending by domestic and international tourists exceeded $66.7 billion in 2023. The sector is expected to play an even greater role in the future, with projections of contributing 10% of the non-oil GDP and creating 1 million jobs by 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s tourism success story has been recognized internationally. The Kingdom ranked first among large destinations for international tourist arrival growth in 2023 compared to 2019. This remarkable recovery positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in global tourism recovery, especially within the Middle East, which was the only region to surpass pre-pandemic tourist arrival levels in 2023.
