THE majority of Saudi nationals are enjoying holidays in their own backyard, with many planning to travel both domestically and internationally this year.
These findings are revealed in the second travel sentiment survey by omni-channel travel brand Almosafer. Conducted online in Saudi Arabia between January and February with over 3,000 respondents (72% Saudi nationals), the study examined their travel behaviour one year into the pandemic.
The survey found more than half the respondents (65%) have travelled domestically over the past year. 80% are planning to do so during the current year, 11% of which will do so exclusively. According to Almosafer, this solidified its ongoing efforts to grow and diversify domestic product offering in line with the Kingdom’s agenda to enhance the tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Respondents disclosed they are planning to further travel for leisure within their home country this year even when borders reopen. Destinations popular with Saudi travellers are Jeddah, Riyadh, Makkah, Al Khobar and Taif.
Fahad Alobailan, VP of retail at Almosafer said the survey provided “exciting insight “ into Saudi travellers’ needs and woll shape the company’s efforts to support the development of domestic tourism.
In tandem with the findings Almosafer has launched packages and a 360-degree promotional campaign to boost domestic bookings and to encourage travellers to explore to new destinations, as well as a variety of bookable tours and attractions across the Kingdom.
Muzzammil Ahussain, executive vice president at Almosafer, said the site’s searches and bookings showed a strong increase in demand for domestic travel. “Even with the borders reopening, growing and developing our domestic offering will remain a key focus for us in 2021, especially on our domestic activities marketplace which features a variety of bookable tours and attractions from across the Kingdom.”
Planning for international travel
On the international travel front, over 80% of respondents are planning to travel to foreign destinations within six months of borders opening, with many keen on an extended holday.
International destinations of choice are mainly within the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region with Dubai and Cairo topping the list. Qatar is receiving interest especially with the recent restoration of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and neighbouring GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) county. Among the top 10 destinations are the Maldives, favourite with couples and families (top 3 spot for both), as well as Sarajevo, the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Travelling for leisure is the main reason for both domestic and international travellers. Over 57% of Saudis will be opting for an extended vacation abroad (more than seven days) when borders reopen.
For travel companions 32% said they would holiday with friends, while 26% opted for family vacations. However, 22% prefered to travel solo.
All said precautionary measures, travel advisory and expert recommendation are key in their travel decision-making.
Commenting on this Ahussain said: “This is evident in our findings as over 20% of Saudi respondents confirmed they would prefer making travel arrangements with the help of a travel advisor. Almost 10% of respondents specified WhatsApp as their preferred booking channel, proving that it is one of the top emerging core communication channels amongst Saudis and a key channel for Almosafer.”
• Infographic of the travel sentiment survey below:
• Featured image credit (Edge of the World, natural landmark an popular tourist destination near Riyadh): AFZALKHAN M/Getty Images
