Saudi travel demand grows in early 2025, shows report

Saudi Arabia’s leading travel company Almosafer, part of Seera Group, reported steady growth in travel demand among Saudi consumers in the first quarter of 2025, driven by rising interest in both domestic and international markets.

Data from Almosafer’s consumer travel channels between Jan. 1 and March 31 showed domestic bookings rising 4 per cent year-on-year, while travel within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region grew 14 per cent. International travel beyond MENA increased 11 per cent, with MENA and domestic trips each accounting for 42 per cent of total bookings and international trips making up 16 per cent.

Flight bookings rose across all segments, led by a 12 per cent increase within MENA and a 5 per cent uptick internationally. Domestic room nights rose 14 per cent, while international stays increased 13 per cent, reflecting strong momentum for both close-to-home experiences and global travel.

Top destinations for Saudi travellers

Top regional destinations included Dubai, Doha, Cairo, and Manama, while Istanbul, London, Paris, and Phuket remained popular for long-haul trips.

Emerging destinations for Saudi travellers included Bangkok, Amman, Milan, Moscow, Madrid, and Prague.

Domestically, cities like Makkah, Jeddah, Riyadh, Al Khobar, and Madinah continued to lead demand, alongside growing interest in Taif, AlUla, and the Red Sea.

Solo travellers made up 53 per cent of flight segments, particularly on long-haul routes.

Family travel remained steady at 16per cent of flight segments, with a 23 per cent rise in average trip length within MENA, signalling a preference for longer holidays. Families also contributed to a 22 per cent rise in domestic stays, while solo travellers drove a 23 per cent increase in stays beyond the region.

Mobile bookings dominated, with the Almosafer app accounting for 70per cent of transactions. Retail bookings represented 7 per cent, with 15 per cent of these now completed via WhatsApp. Android device bookings grew 32 per cent, supported by greater affordability and accessibility.

Payment preferences continued shifting toward digital methods. “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) bookings rose to 25 per cent of total transactions, up from 14 per cent in 2024.

Apple Pay usage accounted for 36 per cent of all bookings.

Full-service carriers saw a 24 per cent rise in domestic market share, while low-cost carrier segments declined 6 per cent. Both full-service and low-cost flights grew within MENA, up 19 per cent and 7 per cent, respectively. For long-haul international travel, low-cost carrier segments jumped 35 per cent following new route launches, while full-service carriers declined 8 per cent.

Flexible booking options gained popularity, with mixed-carrier round-trip flights making up 24 per cent of all bookings.

Luxury travel still in demand

Luxury travel remained strong, with over 75 per cent of room nights booked at four- and five-star hotels. However, interest in alternative and value-driven accommodations grew, with bookings for 3-star and below properties increasing 12per cent for international stays.

Alternative accommodations, such as serviced apartments and holiday homes, rose 15 per cent in MENA and 21 per cent internationally, now representing 8 per cent of total bookings and offering an average saving of 37 per cent compared to hotel stays.

Interest in destination-based activities also grew. Domestically, Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah, Makkah, and Al Khobar led activity bookings, while internationally, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Phuket, and Paris were top markets.

Cultural, religious, and seasonal events – including Ramadan celebrations, cruises, and Formula 1 events – were among the most popular experiences.

“The continued growth in travel demand across domestic, regional, and international markets reflects a robust appetite and confidence for exploration among Saudi travellers,” said Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer. “We’re seeing a clear shift towards value, flexibility, and personalised experiences, whether it’s through choosing alternative accommodations, mixing and matching flight options, or leveraging mobile-first payment methods like Apple Pay and flexible options like Buy Now, Pay Later.”

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