The Saudi Arabia Outbound Tourism Market is poised for significant growth, projected to reach $25.49 billion by 2027. This expansion is driven by a surge in young travelers eager to explore global destinations, coupled with increased interest in eco-friendly, off-season, and sustainable travel experiences. As Saudi travelers diversify their destinations beyond the Middle East, countries like the UAE, Switzerland, and Turkey emerge as leading destinations. Other countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Singapore, are also witnessing growing arrivals from Saudi Arabia, underscoring a trend towards broader international exploration.
Key Market Drivers and Trends
- Increased Travel Motivation Among Youth: Saudi Arabia’s younger generation is increasingly seeking out diverse experiences, including nature-based activities and adventure travel. This demographic shift, coupled with a rise in disposable income, has significantly influenced the outbound travel market.
- Purpose-Driven Travel: Saudi travelers are motivated by various factors, such as holiday leisure, visiting friends and relatives (VFR), and business. Holiday trips remain the largest segment, but there’s a notable increase in travel for educational and cultural experiences, particularly in European and North American destinations.
- Post-COVID Recovery and Vaccination Impact: The pandemic initially curtailed travel, with severe lockdowns in 2020 drastically reducing outbound tourism. However, with the increase in vaccination rates and relaxed travel restrictions, Saudi travelers have resumed international travel at higher rates, helping the market rebound to $10.86 billion in 2021.
Country Insights
- Top Destinations: The UAE continues to be the primary destination for Saudi outbound travelers due to its cultural proximity, ease of access, and appeal as a luxury travel hub. Other countries like Turkey and Switzerland have also gained popularity, offering scenic landscapes and cultural experiences that attract Saudi tourists.
- Emerging Destinations: With an increase in interest for long-haul destinations, countries like the United States, India, and the United Kingdom are seeing more Saudi tourists. This trend presents a strong commercial opportunity for destinations aiming to attract high-spending travelers from Saudi Arabia.
Purpose of Visit
The primary purposes of outbound travel for Saudi citizens include:
- Leisure: Leisure and vacation travel represent the largest segment as Saudi tourists increasingly seek relaxation, sightseeing, and nature-based tourism.
- Business: Business trips have remained steady, with Saudi Arabia’s economic ties spurring business travel to countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
- VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives): VFR is a significant motivator for trips to destinations with large expatriate populations from Saudi Arabia.
Related Report :
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Outbound Tourism Market
Future Outlook
Looking forward, the Saudi outbound tourism market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.28% through 2027, fueled by government initiatives that support travel and an expanding range of travel services. Investments in digital infrastructure and destination marketing will further enhance the appeal of international travel among Saudi citizens.
With the outbound travel market’s growth, Saudi Arabia presents a promising segment for international tourism industries looking to attract high-spending tourists through tailored marketing and offerings. The continued focus on unique experiences, health and safety measures, and sustainable tourism will be key to sustaining and further expanding this market segment.
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