Saudi Arabia and Egypt Dominate as Top Destinations for MENA Travelers in 2024
In the world of travel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt stand tall as the go-to destinations for Middle East and North Africa travelers in 2024. According to a study conducted by Singapore-based travel booking app Wego, Egypt holds the top spot for tourists from the region, closely followed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. India, on the other hand, consistently secures the third spot since 2016.
Saudi Arabia’s Rise as a Global Tourist Hotspot
The second spot on the wish list for travelers is a clear testament to Saudi Arabia’s progress as a global tourist destination. The Kingdom’s National Tourism Strategy, aiming to attract 150 million visitors by 2030, seems well on track. Mamoun Hmedan, chief business officer at Wego, expressed excitement over Egypt emerging as the leading destination for travelers in the MENA region during the first quarter of 2024. He highlighted Egypt’s appeal for travelers seeking unique cultural experiences and diverse attractions.
Consistent Favorites and Emerging Trends
Among the top three Middle East destinations, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have maintained their positions from the previous year. Egypt and the Kingdom have been holding the top two spots since Wego started tracking customer trends over a decade ago. The study, based on traveler searches and hotel booking data, also revealed the UAE as the fourth favorite destination, followed by Pakistan, Kuwait, and Turkiye.
On the European front, the United Kingdom remains the top choice for Middle Eastern travelers, with Italy making a significant leap from fourth to second place. Italy’s debut in the top three is attributed to joint investments between Saudi Arabia and Italy, along with direct flights by ITA Airways to Riyadh and Jeddah.
Shifting Trends and Top Destinations
Countries further from the Gulf region, such as Morocco, Indonesia, and the US, experienced a decline in popularity among top destinations. In 2024, Malaysia, the Philippines, and the US dropped out of the global top 10, while Kuwait, Pakistan, and Jordan maintained their positions as preferred destinations for MENA travelers.