Saudi Arabia’s Domestic Tourism Flourishes in 2024
The realm of domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia has experienced a surge in growth during the initial four months of 2024, as per an industry report that has come to light.
Almosafer’s consumer travel platforms have provided data indicating that local tourist destinations accounted for a significant 53 percent of total bookings.
Top Local Destinations
Leading the list of domestic destinations were Makkah, Riyadh, Jeddah, Alkhobar, and Abha, with an increasing interest in AlUla, Tabuk, and Hail.
Government and Private Sector Initiatives Bear Fruit
The sustained interest in domestic tourism is a testament to the success of initiatives by the government and private sector to enhance local tourism, resulting in a notable 29 percent rise in total domestic booking volume across Almosafer channels.
Flight and Hotel Bookings Soar
Comparing to the same period last year, flights have seen a 27 percent increase, while hotel bookings have nearly doubled at 40 percent in the same timeframe.
Travelers’ Focus on In-Destination Experiences
With the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia flourishing, travelers are eager to maximize their breaks by focusing on in-destination experiences.
Flight and Accommodation Options
The addition of more flight routes, increased capacity, and the establishment of new airports in the Kingdom have led to more affordable flight options on low-cost carriers. While 51 percent of hotel bookings are for 5-star properties, travelers are also taking advantage of budget-friendly flight options.
Shift in Travel Preferences
Data reveals an overall increase in travelers opting for low-cost flights, from 55 percent in 2023 to 62 percent in 2024. Internationally, there has been a rise in bookings for low-cost carriers, with 46 percent of total bookings in 2024 compared to 44 percent in 2023.
Popular International Destinations
Dubai, Doha, Manama, Cairo, and Istanbul continue to be favored international destinations among Saudis, with a growing interest in South Asia and the Far East, particularly Tokyo, Singapore, and Bangkok. European capitals like Madrid and Amsterdam are also gaining traction.
Tourism’s Economic Impact
The Kingdom hosted 27.4 million international and 79.3 million domestic tourists in 2023, with spending on tourism exceeding SR250 billion ($66.7 billion). The sector is expected to contribute significantly to the non-oil GDP and create job opportunities by 2030.
Saudi Arabia Leads in Tourism Recovery
Saudi Arabia topped UN Tourism’s ranking for the growth of international tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019 among major destinations, showcasing a 56 percent increase. The Kingdom also recorded a remarkable tourism recovery rate of 156 percent in international tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019, positioning itself as a leader in the Middle East’s global tourism recovery.