Almosafer’s latest travel trends report shows strong growth of 44% in domestic bookings in 2024, representing more than 40% of the overall travel landscape in Saudi Arabia.
The growth reflects rapid development in the Kingdom’s tourism offerings, encouraging residents to explore their country for leisure through expanding destinations, distinctive accommodation and varied experiences, according to a press release on Almosafer’s website.
Family and group bookings
Family and group bookings were a major driver of domestic tourism growth, increasing by more than 70%. Groups increasingly favor destinations offering experience-rich travel and events.
While Makkah, Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar and Madinah remain central to travel plans, emerging destinations are gaining popularity. These include Abha for its cool climate and mountain views, Jubail for its pristine beaches, Jazan for its coastal appeal, Tabuk for its scenery and Hail for desert adventures. Their growth reflects continued investment in tourism infrastructure, opening new leisure opportunities.
Luxury hotels
The report highlights increasingly varied accommodation preferences. Luxury properties remain prominent, with five-star establishments accounting for 36% of booked hotel nights.
Three-star hotels
Budget accommodation rated three stars or below accounted for 35% of booked nights. Family and group bookings in this segment grew by 100%, reflecting stronger interest in affordable group travel.
Serviced apartments
Alternative accommodation such as serviced apartments is also gaining popularity for flexibility and affordability. Family bookings rose by 90% and group bookings by 60%. These options are becoming more widely available across the Kingdom, especially for larger groups.
Demand for low-cost airlines
Demand for low-cost air travel continues to rise, supported by greater capacity, improved connectivity and expanding routes and destinations, making these airlines increasingly attractive.
More flight routes
Flight routes increased by 45% overall, while average order value fell by 7%, reflecting the impact of more affordable options.
Guided tours and adventure sports
In-destination activities are becoming a more important part of travel. Guided tours, adventure sports and cultural experiences are increasingly integrated into itineraries, improving satisfaction and connections with local communities. Local activity offerings have expanded to meet different interests, giving travelers more choices and encouraging experiences aligned with their passions for richer, more personalized memories.
Booking channels
App bookings grew by 67% in 2024 and accounted for 76% of all bookings, reflecting greater reliance on mobile platforms. Website bookings represented 17%, with volume increasing by 7%.
Retail outlets accounted for a smaller 7% share but remained important for travelers with more complex and generally higher-value bookings who prefer personal assistance and tailored support. The channel therefore continues to play a role amid the digital shift.
Payment developments
Evolving payments contributed to changing booking trends in 2024. Flexible payment options, especially buy now, pay later, enabled travelers to spread costs and better manage travel spending.
Apple Pay strengthened its position as a preferred payment method, accounting for 44% of domestic bookings processed through the platform during 2024.
Almosafer Chief Executive Officer Muzzammil Ahussain said the trends align with the government’s vision to increase value within destinations and grow domestic tourism under Vision 2030.
He added that domestic tourism growth and flourishing family and group travel, including distinctive stays and rich destination activities, reflect the national agenda to build a thriving leisure tourism sector that contributes significantly to the economy.
He said Almosafer supports the local ecosystem through innovative booking platforms, tailored packages and flexible payments, remaining committed to empowering travelers and contributing to economic diversification and sustainable tourism growth.
Read the announcement on the Almosafer website.
