Solo travellers have emerged as a dominant segment, accounting for 53% of flight bookings, particularly on long-haul routes. Family travel remains steady at 16%, with a notable 23% increase in average trip length within the MENA region, suggesting a growing interest in extended holidays. Families have also contributed to a 22% rise in domestic stays, while solo travellers have driven a 23% increase in international accommodations.
Payment preferences are shifting towards digital methods, with "Buy Now, Pay Later" options rising to 25% of total transactions, up from 14% in 2024. Apple Pay usage has also increased, accounting for 36% of all bookings.
In the aviation sector, full-service carriers have seen a 24% rise in domestic market share, while low-cost carrier segments have declined by 6%. Within the MENA region, both full-service and low-cost flights have grown by 19% and 7%, respectively. For long-haul international travel, low-cost carrier segments have jumped 35% following new route launches, while full-service carriers have declined by 8%.
Flexible booking options are gaining popularity, with mixed-carrier round-trip flights now making up 24% of all bookings.
Luxury travel continues to be in demand, with over 75% of room nights booked at four- and five-star hotels. However, interest in alternative and value-driven accommodations is growing, with bookings for three-star and below properties increasing by 12% for international stays. Alternative accommodations, such as serviced apartments and holiday homes, have risen by 15% in the MENA region and 21% internationally, now representing 8% of total bookings and offering an average saving of 37% compared to hotel stays.
Interest in destination-based activities is also on the rise. Domestically, Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah, Makkah, and Al Khobar lead in activity bookings, while internationally, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Phuket, and Paris are top markets.
The Kingdom's domestic tourism sector is experiencing a sharp rise, particularly during peak periods like Eid Al-Fitr, injecting fresh momentum into the hospitality industry. A growing preference for local destinations is reshaping the market as residents seek immersive experiences within the nation's tourism landscape. The Kingdom saw a 45% rise in domestic flight bookings in 2024, driven by expanding tourism offerings and greater connectivity through low-cost carriers. Domestic travel has surged, with Eid Al-Fitr becoming a peak period for local tourism.
The surge in domestic travel is fueled by a broader range of destinations, accommodations, and experiences attracting leisure visitors. Family and group travel have been major drivers, with bookings in these segments soaring over 70%. Saudi Arabia's mega-projects, including NEOM and The Red Sea Project, further fuel domestic tourism growth. Cultural landmarks like AlUla and Diriyah are undergoing significant restoration to offer visitors rich historical and cultural experiences.
The Kingdom's Minister of Tourism has indicated that the nation's tourism accommodation is expected to double over the next decade, with the country currently having around 400,000 guest rooms, projected to reach 800,000 by 2030. The goal is to become one of the world's top seven tourism destinations by the end of the decade.
Emerging destinations like Abha, Al Jubail, Jizan, Tabuk, and Hail are drawing increased attention for their unique landscapes and activities. AlUla, a UNESCO-listed site, has also gained traction as a premier domestic and international destination, a sign of Saudi Arabia's continued investment in diversifying its tourism appeal.
Almosafer's data indicates that domestic trips rose by 44% in 2024, contributing more than 40% to overall travel bookings in Saudi Arabia. This surge was fueled by family and group bookings, which grew by 70%, with groups increasingly choosing to visit cities or regions that offer event-based and experience-rich opportunities. Among the activities on offer, guided tours, adventure sports, cultural experiences, and Ramadan pursuits have proven to be most attractive to travellers.
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Saudi Arabia