Saudi Arabia reveals a robust 44% growth in domestic bookings in 2024, marking a significant contribution (over 40%) to the overall travel landscape in the kingdom. 

 

The kingdom's rapidly growing and evolving tourism offerings continue to shape domestic travel behaviour, and with an expanding range of destinations, unique accommodations, and diverse experiences, travellers are motivated to explore their country for leisure, says the report.

 

Family and group bookings have emerged as a key growth driver of domestic tourism, with over 70% growth across these traveller segments. Travel groups are increasingly choosing destinations that offer event-based and experience-rich travel opportunities. 

 

While iconic cities such as Makkah, Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, and Madinah remain central to travel plans, emerging destinations are becoming increasingly popular. Abha’s cool climate and mountain views, Al Jubail’s pristine beaches, Jizan’s coastal charm, Tabuk’s dramatic natural landscapes, and Hail’s adventurous desert terrain are rapidly gaining traction. These rising hotspots reflect the Kingdom’s ongoing investment in tourism infrastructure, opening up exciting opportunities for leisure travellers, it said.

 

The report further highlighted a significant shift in traveller preferences regarding accommodation. While luxury stays dominate, with 36% of room nights booked in 5-star accommodations, budget-friendly stays in 3-star and below properties have significantly increased, representing 35% of all booked room nights. 

 

Notably, this segment has witnessed a remarkable 100% growth in volume for families and groups, reflecting a rising trend of value-conscious group travel. Alternative accommodations such as vacation rentals and hotel apartments have also gained popularity, offering flexibility and affordability. Family bookings in these accommodations surged by 90% and group bookings grew by 60%, as alternative accommodations have become more widely available throughout the Kingdom and travellers opt for convenient stays, especially for larger groups.

 

The report also highlights a continued demand for low-cost airline travel, driven by increased capacity, expanded connectivity, and the growing number of routes and slots offered by low-cost carriers. This has made low-cost airlines more accessible and appealing to budget-conscious travellers. While flight segments have increased by 45% overall, the average order value (AOV) has decreased by 7%, reflecting the impact of these expanded options for securing cost-effective deals.

 

Activities

In-destination activities have remained a core aspect of travel value, with guided tours, adventure sports, and cultural experiences integral to trip itineraries. These activities enhance overall satisfaction and foster meaningful engagement with local communities, reinforcing the value of immersive travel experiences. The range and offering of domestic activities have significantly expanded, catering to diverse interests and preferences and travellers now have more options than ever before. People actively embrace this growing variety, seeking experiences that align with their passions and creating richer, more personalized travel memories.

 

Regarding the preferred booking methods, in 2024, app bookings surged by 67%, securing a 76% share of total bookings and underscoring the growing reliance on mobile platforms. Web bookings followed with a 17% share, reflecting a 7% growth in volume. Meanwhile, while representing a smaller 7% share, retail bookings continue to play a valuable role in serving travellers with more complex bookings and, on average, higher-value bookings, as they prefer in-person assistance and personalized support. Thus, they maintain their relevance in an increasingly digital landscape.

 

Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, stated: “These travel trends align seamlessly with the government's vision to enhance in-destination value and increase domestic tourism as part of Vision 2030. The growth of domestic tourism and the rise of family and group trips, with a focus on unique accommodation experiences and rich in-destination activities, showcases the success of the national agenda of building a thriving leisure tourism sector that contributes significantly to the economy. Almosafer plays an integral role in powering the local ecosystem through innovative booking platforms, tailored travel packages, and flexible payment solutions. We remain committed to empowering travellers while contributing to the broader goals of economic diversification and sustainable tourism growth.” – TradeArabia News Service