Wego, the number 1 travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) shares key insights on winter domestic travel trends in Saudi Arabia.
When temperatures dip, Saudi travelers opt to spend time in traditional winter destinations to enjoy cooler climates and the cultural and natural experiences these locales offer.
Winter destination Trends
Based on Wego’s comprehensive analysis, Tabuk, Riyadh, Abha, and Al Ula are among the preferred destinations for Saudis seeking winter escapades. These places often see an uptick in interest during the colder months.
According to the recent launch of Saudi Tourism Authority’s Winter events calendar, 2024-2025 is set to revitalize the nation’s tourism sector. With over 1,000 unique experiences and events, including major festivals and global events, the Kingdom aims to attract visitors from around the world. This is expected to boost the hospitality industry, airlines, and local businesses, contributing to the nation’s economic growth and showcasing its rich cultural heritage.
Wego’s data indicates that seasonal events and festivals such as Riyadh Season and Winter at Tantora in Al Ula are key attractions that may contribute to the popularity of certain destinations. For instance, bookings to Al Ula for December – January trips last year nearly doubled compared to the April – May period.
Riyadh Season, the major cultural and entertainment event, has significantly boosted winter tourism in the capital city. In Riyadh, winter bookings on Wego last year were 18.39% higher than those in the late spring, while year-round favorites Tabuk and Abha also experienced increased searches, up 5.31% and 15.82% respectively.
“With the winter season approaching, we anticipate a continued rise in travel to these top winter destinations,” said Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego. “Our platform is ready to assist travelers in crafting the perfect winter getaway and discovering Saudi Arabia’s stunning landscapes.”
Saudi travelers’ winter booking habits and preferences
Further analysis reveals a preference for shorter trips, with the majority of travelers spending about 1-3 days at their destinations. Interestingly, bookings are often made close to the travel date, highlighting a trend towards spontaneous travel planning.
Additionally, a significant 83% of all bookings for these destinations were made via Wego’s mobile apps, further indicating an appetite for seamless travel planning and strong preference for the user-friendly experience offered by the platform.
Wego data so far showed that travelers are particularly interested in stays at hotels and aparthotels for their winter holiday.