In a recent revelation during the 2024 Saudi Tourism Forum in Riyadh, Almosafer, Saudi Arabia’s premier travel company and part of the Seera Group, showcased the massive interest of Saudi travelers for the diverse tourism offerings within the Kingdom. The unveiling of the new domestic travel trends report not only presents the impressive gains for the domestic tourism sector in 2023 but also focuses on fascinating insights that are reshaping the travel landscape in Saudi Arabia.
The report, drawing from data insights gathered across Almosafer’s consumer platforms in 2023, highlights a major shift in Saudi travel preferences. Over 40% of the total booking share now comes from the domestic sector, signifying a substantial surge in interest for local travel experiences. A striking 83% of local travelers exhibit a clear preference for luxury accommodations, reflecting a growing trend toward advanced travel experiences.
With an average stay of two nights, the report reveals a remarkable 22% year-on-year growth in hotel room nights for 2023 compared to the previous year. This data showcases the strength of Saudi Arabia’s domestic tourism sector.
Almosafer, an important organization in Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism industry, is actively putting in the effort to push domestic tourism to new heights. Aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to attract 150 million tourists annually, with half of the demand originating from domestic travel, Almosafer is committed to bringing about remarkable travel journeys and experiences.
The report also identifies top-growing destinations within the Kingdom, presenting Saudi travelers’ preferences. AlUla is seen as the preferred luxury option, while Jazan and Tabuk are preferred during the winter months. Abha, with its scenic beauty, proves to be ideal for the summer season while, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Makkah & Madinah are the most popular destinations in terms of various experiences.
In addition, the report unveils an intriguing shift in spending patterns among Saudi travelers. Although nearly 75% opt for low-cost carriers, the average order value has surged by 10.8% in 2023. This shows that domestic travelers are prioritizing in-destination expenses, including accommodation and activities, while still being budget-conscious during their trips.
As more people in Saudi Arabia choose different places to stay, like short-term rental apartments, which have seen a significant increase of 48% compared to 2022, Almosafer is partnering with new digital platforms and alternative accommodation providers which will help meet the changing needs of different market segments.
Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, emphasizes, “Our latest data showcases the continued growth of domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the Kingdom’s rise as an attractive destination for local travelers. As Vision 2030 drives further growth in this sector, Almosafer will continue to expand our reach and optimize our offerings for domestic tourists, shaping the future of travel experiences within the Kingdom.”
Saudi Arabia’s strategic investments in tourism infrastructure have paved the way for a steady rise in domestic tourists eager to explore the Kingdom’s myriad attractions. Almosafer’s platforms highlight a growing demand for activities and recreational pursuits, with Riyadh and Jeddah coming in as spots for major events.
Through partnerships with key stakeholders, Almosafer actively promotes local activations and targeted campaigns to enrich their offerings and expand their reach within the Kingdom. The integration of Almosafer Activities, the first marketplace for tours and activities in Saudi Arabia, directly caters to domestic travelers, supporting SMEs and contributing to the growth of domestic tourism.
Almosafer’s trends report not only reflects the current happenings of Saudi Arabia’s domestic tourism sector, but it describes an exciting future for Saudi Arabia as a top travel spot, providing a variety of experiences for both local and international travelers. As Saudi Arabia moves forward with Vision 2030, the collaboration between Almosafer’s efforts and the country’s big goals suggests a thrilling time ahead for travel in the Kingdom.
