Strong demand for domestic tourism among Saudis, planning to travel internationally with opening of borders

THE majority of Saudi nationals are
savoring holidays in their personal yard, with numerous preparing to journey equally
domestically and internationally this calendar year.

These results are unveiled in the 2nd journey sentiment survey by omni-channel journey brand Almosafer. Done on the net in Saudi Arabia concerning January and February with above 3,000 respondents (72{2e54b6599e2852fcddcb96c51aef71201c0435684ebd8fbda55b4c693aab2644} Saudi nationals), the analyze examined their journey behaviour 1 yr into the pandemic.

The survey uncovered additional than half the respondents (65{2e54b6599e2852fcddcb96c51aef71201c0435684ebd8fbda55b4c693aab2644}) have travelled domestically in excess of the earlier calendar year. 80{2e54b6599e2852fcddcb96c51aef71201c0435684ebd8fbda55b4c693aab2644} are arranging to do so for the duration of the recent 12 months, 11{2e54b6599e2852fcddcb96c51aef71201c0435684ebd8fbda55b4c693aab2644} of which will do so completely. In accordance to Almosafer, this solidified its ongoing endeavours to grow and diversify domestic item providing in line with the Kingdom’s agenda to increase the tourism sector’s contribution to the countrywide economic system.

Respondents disclosed they are scheduling to further more vacation for leisure within just their house nation this yr even when borders reopen. Locations common with Saudi travellers are Jeddah, Riyadh, Makkah, Al Khobar and Taif.

Fahad Alobailan, VP of retail at Almosafer
mentioned the study furnished “exciting insight “ into Saudi travellers’ desires and woll
condition the company’s endeavours  to aid
the development of domestic tourism.

In tandem with the conclusions Almosafer has introduced
packages and a 360-diploma promotional campaign to enhance domestic bookings and
to encourage travellers to explore to new destinations, as effectively as a wide range of
bookable tours and points of interest throughout the Kingdom.

Muzzammil Ahussain, government vice president at Almosafer, claimed the site’s searches and bookings showed a potent boost in demand from customers for domestic travel. “Even with the borders reopening, rising and producing our domestic providing will stay a important focus for us in 2021, particularly on our domestic functions market which capabilities a selection of bookable tours and sights from across the Kingdom.”

Organizing for global travel

On the intercontinental travel entrance, in excess of 80{2e54b6599e2852fcddcb96c51aef71201c0435684ebd8fbda55b4c693aab2644} of respondents are scheduling to vacation to foreign locations within six months of borders opening, with numerous eager on an extended holday.

International places of preference are largely in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) area with Dubai and Cairo topping the listing. Qatar is getting interest particularly with the modern restoration of diplomatic ties amongst Saudi Arabia and neighbouring GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) county. Amongst the top rated 10 destinations are the Maldives, favorite with partners and people (top rated 3 spot for each), as well as Sarajevo, the capital and major metropolis of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Travelling for leisure is the primary motive for equally domestic and intercontinental travellers. Above 57{2e54b6599e2852fcddcb96c51aef71201c0435684ebd8fbda55b4c693aab2644} of Saudis will be opting for an extended holiday overseas (more than 7 times) when borders reopen.

For journey companions 32{2e54b6599e2852fcddcb96c51aef71201c0435684ebd8fbda55b4c693aab2644} stated they would holiday getaway with good friends, when 26{2e54b6599e2852fcddcb96c51aef71201c0435684ebd8fbda55b4c693aab2644} opted for relatives holidays. Even so, 22{2e54b6599e2852fcddcb96c51aef71201c0435684ebd8fbda55b4c693aab2644} prefered to journey solo.  

All said precautionary steps, vacation advisory and expert suggestion are vital in their journey choice-building.

Commenting on this Ahussain said: “This is evident in our findings as above 20{2e54b6599e2852fcddcb96c51aef71201c0435684ebd8fbda55b4c693aab2644} of Saudi respondents verified they would prefer producing vacation preparations with the assist of a travel advisor. Practically 10{2e54b6599e2852fcddcb96c51aef71201c0435684ebd8fbda55b4c693aab2644} of respondents specified WhatsApp as their chosen scheduling channel, proving that it is a person of the prime emerging core interaction channels among Saudis and a critical channel for Almosafer.”

• Infographic of the journey sentiment study below:

• Highlighted picture credit (Edge of the World, pure landmark an preferred vacationer place around Riyadh): AFZALKHAN M/Getty Visuals