Saudi Arabia’s domestic tourism witnesses increase of 16% compared to last year
Saudi Arabia’s domestic tourism sector recorded
strong growth in the first quarter of 2026, with preliminary data from the Ministry of Tourism
showing a significant rise in both visitor numbers and spending. Domestic trips
reached approximately 28.9 million, marking a 16% increase compared to Q1 2025,
while total spending climbed to SAR 34.7 billion, up 8% year-on-year.
These figures underscore the growing importance
of local travel in supporting the Kingdom’s tourism economy. The Ministry
attributed the performance to robust domestic demand and an expanding range of
tourism offerings, with hospitality establishments reporting an average
occupancy rate of 59% during the quarter.
Holiday Seasons Drive Travel Surge
A key driver behind this growth was the
alignment of Q1 with major religious and cultural events, particularly Ramadan and Eid
al-Fitr. These occasions prompted a surge in domestic travel, with
around 10 million trips recorded during the holiday period alone—an increase of
roughly 14% compared to the previous year.
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Tourism spending during this peak period
reached SAR 10.2 billion, reflecting a 5% year-on-year rise. This momentum was
further supported by promotional efforts from the Saudi Tourism Authority, including the “Eid is
Blessed with You” campaign. The initiative featured curated travel packages
developed in partnership with private sector operators, targeting destinations
such as AlUla, the Red Sea Project, and cultural hubs like Jeddah.
Hospitality Performance Across Key
Destinations
The increase in domestic travel translated
into strong demand for accommodation across the Kingdom. While the national
average occupancy rate stood at 59%, several key destinations significantly
outperformed this benchmark:
- Madinah
led with an occupancy rate of 82%, driven by religious tourism during the
holy month.
- Makkah
followed at 60%, with hotels near the Grand Mosque nearing full occupancy
during the final days of Ramadan.
- Jeddah
maintained steady performance at 59%, benefiting from its dual role as a
pilgrimage gateway and a family leisure destination.
Digital booking trends also continued to
evolve. Data from Wego showed that 76% of
domestic bookings were made via mobile apps, highlighting a growing preference
for convenience, real-time availability, and digital payment solutions among
Saudi travelers.
Strong Domestic Market Amid Regional
Uncertainty
The sector’s performance is particularly
notable against a backdrop of regional fluctuations impacting international
travel. The domestic tourism market has increasingly acted as a stabilizing
force, offering resilience for the hospitality industry.
By expanding its tourism portfolio—from the
mountainous landscapes of Tabuk to the
luxury developments of the Red Sea—Saudi Arabia has successfully encouraged
residents to explore destinations within the Kingdom rather than travel abroad.
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Destinations such as AlUla and King Abdullah Economic City saw strong
engagement, with AlUla’s resorts reaching occupancy rates of up to 77% during
peak festival periods. These figures highlight the success of efforts to
promote the Kingdom’s cultural heritage and natural landscapes to domestic
audiences.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Tourism is
expected to release a more detailed report later this year, offering deeper
insights into traveler behavior, including average length of stay and
demographic trends. Early indicators suggest that domestic tourism will
continue to play a central role in strengthening the Kingdom’s tourism sector
and supporting its long-term growth ambitions.
Source: https://www.traveldailymedia.com/
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