Saudi Arabia's Domestic Tourism Surges: 29% Increase in Bookings, Top Destinations, and International Trends
In the first four months of 2024, domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia experienced significant growth, according to a report from Almosafer.
Local destinations accounted for 53% of total bookings, with Makkah, Riyadh, Jeddah, Alkhobar, and Abha being the most popular.
There was also increased interest in AlUla, Tabuk, and Hail.
The report indicated a 29% increase in total domestic bookings and a 27% rise in flights and nearly double the hotel bookings (40%) compared to the same period in 2023.
The success of government and private sector initiatives to promote local tourism has contributed to this growth in the Saudi Arabian tourism sector.
The text discusses the growth of affordable flight options on low-cost carriers in Saudi Arabia due to new routes, increased capacity, and new airports.
Despite this, there is still a strong demand for luxury travel, with 51% of hotel bookings being for 5-star properties.
In 2024, 62% of travelers chose low-cost flights compared to 55% in 2023, and internationally, 46% of bookings were for low-cost carriers compared to 44% in 2023.
The top international destinations for Saudis remain Dubai, Doha, Manama, Cairo, and Istanbul, but there is also a growing interest in South Asia and the Far East, with Tokyo, Singapore, and Bangkok seeing more Saudi travelers.
In the first four months of 2024, European capitals like Madrid and Amsterdam are seeing an increase in bookings.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia welcomed 27.4 million international and 79.3 million domestic tourists, marking a 65% and 2% growth compared to 2022, respectively.
The tourism sector is a significant contributor to the national economy, with spending by domestic and international tourists exceeding SR250 billion ($66.7 billion) in 2023.
The sector is projected to contribute 10% to the non-oil GDP and create 1 million job opportunities by 2030.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia ranked first among large destinations for the growth of international tourist arrivals, achieving a 56% increase compared to 2019.
Saudi Arabia experienced a significant tourism rebound in 2023, recording a 156 percent increase in international tourist arrivals compared to 2019.
This impressive recovery made Saudi Arabia a leading player in the Middle East's global tourism recovery.
The region was the only one to surpass pre-pandemic levels, achieving a 122 percent recovery rate in international tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019.
There was also increased interest in AlUla, Tabuk, and Hail.
The report indicated a 29% increase in total domestic bookings and a 27% rise in flights and nearly double the hotel bookings (40%) compared to the same period in 2023.
The success of government and private sector initiatives to promote local tourism has contributed to this growth in the Saudi Arabian tourism sector.
The text discusses the growth of affordable flight options on low-cost carriers in Saudi Arabia due to new routes, increased capacity, and new airports.
Despite this, there is still a strong demand for luxury travel, with 51% of hotel bookings being for 5-star properties.
In 2024, 62% of travelers chose low-cost flights compared to 55% in 2023, and internationally, 46% of bookings were for low-cost carriers compared to 44% in 2023.
The top international destinations for Saudis remain Dubai, Doha, Manama, Cairo, and Istanbul, but there is also a growing interest in South Asia and the Far East, with Tokyo, Singapore, and Bangkok seeing more Saudi travelers.
In the first four months of 2024, European capitals like Madrid and Amsterdam are seeing an increase in bookings.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia welcomed 27.4 million international and 79.3 million domestic tourists, marking a 65% and 2% growth compared to 2022, respectively.
The tourism sector is a significant contributor to the national economy, with spending by domestic and international tourists exceeding SR250 billion ($66.7 billion) in 2023.
The sector is projected to contribute 10% to the non-oil GDP and create 1 million job opportunities by 2030.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia ranked first among large destinations for the growth of international tourist arrivals, achieving a 56% increase compared to 2019.
Saudi Arabia experienced a significant tourism rebound in 2023, recording a 156 percent increase in international tourist arrivals compared to 2019.
This impressive recovery made Saudi Arabia a leading player in the Middle East's global tourism recovery.
The region was the only one to surpass pre-pandemic levels, achieving a 122 percent recovery rate in international tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019.
Translation:
Translated by AI
