Saudi Arabia’s domestic tourism sector continued to grow and evolve in 2024 with the addition of new tourism offerings, destinations, unique accommodations and diverse experiences. In its latest comprehensive trends report, Almosafer revealed that domestic bookings in 2024 surged 44 percent, marking a significant contribution of over 40 percent to the overall travel landscape in Saudi Arabia.
Family and group bookings emerged as a key growth driver of domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia, with over 70 percent growth across these traveler segments. Travel groups are also increasingly choosing destinations that offer event-based and experience-rich travel opportunities.
“These travel trends align seamlessly with the government’s vision to enhance in-destination value and increase domestic tourism as part of Vision 2030,” stated Muzzammil Hussain, CEO of Almosafer.
Emerging destinations gain traction
While iconic cities such as Makkah, Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar and Madinah remain central tourism hubs, emerging destinations are becoming increasingly popular among domestic travelers. Abha’s cool climate and mountain views, Al Jubail’s beaches, Jizan’s coastal charm, Tabuk’s natural landscapes and Hail’s adventurous desert terrain are becoming more popular among residents in Saudi Arabia.
These rising hotspots reflect the Kingdom’s ongoing investment in tourism infrastructure, opening up exciting opportunities for leisure travelers.
“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,” added Hussain.
Accommodation preferences shift
Last year also saw a significant shift in traveler preferences regarding accommodation. While luxury stays dominated, with 36 percent of room nights booked in 5-star accommodations, budget-friendly stays in 3-star and below properties have significantly increased, representing 35 percent of all booked room nights. Notably, this segment has witnessed a remarkable 100 percent 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 also gained popularity in 2024. Family bookings in these accommodations surged by 90 percent and group bookings grew by 60 percent.
Almosafer also noted the 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 travelers.
In-destination activities drive growth
In-destination activities remained the core aspect of travel value in 2024, further driving domestic tourism growth. Guided tours, adventure sports and cultural experiences remained 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 also significantly expanded, catering to diverse interests and preferences.
Key trends shaping booking processes
The ease of online bookings and payments also played a role in driving domestic tourism in 2024. Last year, app bookings surged by 67 percent, securing a 76 percent share of total bookings and underscoring the growing reliance on mobile platforms. Web bookings followed with a 17 percent share, reflecting a 7 percent growth in volume.
Meanwhile, retail bookings, despite representing a smaller 7 percent share, continued to play a valuable role in serving travelers with more complex or higher-value bookings.
The rise of flexible payment methods, particularly Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), has encouraged travelers to explore more. Additionally, Apple Pay has solidified its position as a preferred payment option, accounting for 44 percent of all domestic bookings processed through its platform in 2024.
