Saudi Arabia Sees Surge In Domestic Tourism As Eid Travel Reaches New Heights

Saudi Arabia’s local tourism scene is witnessing a remarkable upswing as Eid Al-Fitr drives a wave of domestic travel, injecting renewed energy into the Kingdom’s hospitality and leisure sectors. More residents are choosing to explore attractions within the country, fueling a shift toward culturally rich and experience-driven travel close to home. According to Almosafer’s January 2024 travel trend report, bookings for domestic flights surged by 45 percent compared to the previous year. The uptick is largely attributed to an expanded portfolio of tourism activities and enhanced connectivity offered by budget-friendly airlines operating within the Kingdom. Almosafer’s latest findings reveal a 39 percent uptick in domestic hotel room night bookings, while the combined share of local flight and accommodation reservations now makes up more than 40 percent of the national travel market—an 11 percent increase compared to last year. This upward trend in domestic travel is being propelled by a wider variety of destinations, lodging options, and curated experiences that appeal to Saudi residents seeking leisure within their own borders. A significant portion of this growth stems from family and group travel, with bookings in these categories climbing by more than 70 percent.