Latest news with #SaudiTourism
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
78.8% of Saudi travellers go solo this summer: Wego
Wego, the Middle East's online travel marketplace, has revealed a shift in travel patterns for summer 2025, highlighting a sharp rise in solo travel and a growing demand for luxury accommodations among Saudi travellers. Single travellers now account for 78.82% of bookings, driven by youth seeking personal exploration, study, or business opportunities. Luxury travel continues to dominate, with five-star hotels making up 40.92% of bookings and four-star hotels at 32.22%. The data points to a new era of Saudi tourism, driven by visa flexibility, value for money, and access to authentic cultural offerings. Egypt, India, Pakistan, and Türkiye remain the top-searched destinations among Saudi travellers, with Pakistan showing a 4.78% year-on-year surge in interest despite a 21.29% rise in airfares. European countries like Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Italy saw moderate increases in search activity, while Asian destinations like Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines continue to attract tourists with their natural beauty, rich traditions, and affordable prices. Vietnam has emerged as one of the fastest-growing travel options, with a 322.43% increase in searches compared to last year. Industry experts attribute this trend to the launch of luxury halal-compliant resorts and a 43.06% drop in average airfare prices from Saudi Arabia. Armenia is also drawing increased interest from Saudi travellers, with a 142.68% jump in search volume following the government's recent decision to waive visa requirements for Saudi citizens starting July 2025. "We are witnessing a clear shift among Saudi travellers toward discovering destinations that offer deeper cultural and experiential value," said Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego. "Summer 2025 reflects this transformation in travel behavior, where the focus is not just on the destination itself, but on the richness of the journey." "The rise in interest for Vietnam and Armenia underscores the growing demand for diverse, value-driven travel experiences. At Wego, we aim to empower travellers with data and insights that help them make confident, personalised choices." -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Asharq Al-Awsat
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia's Al-Baha Prepares for Cultural Events
Al-Baha Region is gearing up for an exceptional summer season under the slogan 'Color Your Summer,' featuring over 500 diverse events across 80 fully equipped venues in five Saudi governorates. The lineup includes artistic and musical performances, circus festivals, magic shows, and varied recreational and cultural activities. Mayor of Al-Baha Region Ali Al-Sawat stated that the municipality and local authorities have completed early preparations by upgrading tourist sites, enhancing infrastructure, and coordinating with various government and private entities. These efforts aim to deliver a vibrant and safe summer experience that meets the expectations of both residents and visitors. He noted these events play a vital role in advancing the Kingdom's goal of establishing itself as a global tourism hub, renowned for its rich diversity and unique offerings, in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030. He further underscored that Al-Baha, with its stunning natural landscapes and distinctive tourist attractions, continues to be a key attraction for domestic and international tourism.
Asharq Al-Awsat
7 days ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Tourism Ministry Intensifies Inspection Efforts in Summer Tourist Destinations
The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has intensified its inspection efforts across several summer tourist destinations in the Kingdom, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday. These inspections aim to ensure that hospitality facilities hold the necessary licenses from the ministry and comply with approved quality standards, coinciding with the launch of the Saudi Summer season. The inspection tours covered multiple regions and cities, including Aseer, Al-Baha, Taif, and Jeddah, over the past two months. The ministry's inspection teams conducted more than 2,800 visits to summer destinations. The visits assessed the quality of services provided, the availability of safety requirements, and cleanliness levels, while also confirming that facilities had obtained the necessary licenses to operate. The ministry emphasized to all hospitality establishments, including private facilities, the importance of delivering high-quality services and adhering to its approved regulations. It stressed that violators will face penalties, which may include fines of up to SAR1 million, closure of the facility, or both.
Arab News
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
‘Color Your Summer' program reflects Saudi diversity, targets 41m visitors
The Saudi Tourism Authority has launched 'Color Your Summer,' a program showcasing Saudi Arabia's natural and cultural diversity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. The initiative will run until the end of September. Activities will be hosted in six main destinations 'that blend the sea and mountains and merge adventure with relaxation.' The STA expects the program to attract more than 41 million visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom this year, with projected tourism spending surpassing SR73 billion ($19.47 billion). Asir will host its Summer Season, featuring 'a rich array of musical, artistic, and cultural events such as Al-Muftaha Village and the Plato Event,' as well as 'adventure trails and outdoor activities amid lofty mountains and pleasant weather, while the region's ancient stone houses evoke a rich cultural memory, adding an authentic touch for visitors.' The STA, in partnership with Jazeera Airways, recently announced that direct flights from Kuwait to Asir will be available three times a week from July 15 until the end of September, strengthening the airline's presence in the Saudi market and supporting the authority's efforts to promote various summer destinations in the Kingdom. Meanwhile, Riyadh will make its mark this summer by hosting the second Esports World Cup from July 8 to Aug. 24, which is set to attract visitors from around the world. 'The city is also a hub for artistic and cultural events and a variety of entertainment shows throughout the summer,' the SPA stated. Jeddah will be welcoming visitors with new beaches and luxury resorts this summer, and its diverse selection of marine activities and 'relaxation events' make it 'the right place for family and water sports enthusiasts alike,' the SPA wrote, adding: 'Visitors can explore City Walk and circus performances at Circus 1903.' Sheybarah and Ummahat islands will also be featured as part of the Kingdom's luxury tourism network. 'With their white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and colorful coral reefs, the islands add a maritime adventure to the portfolio of the Kingdom's destinations,' the SPA stated. Taif will greet its summer visitors this year with 'refreshing mountain breezes and the fragrant blooms of Taif roses in Arruddaf Park, nestled between traditional markets and lush orchards,' according to the SPA. 'Meanwhile, Al-Shafa and Al-Hada mountains cast a magical misty aura, providing experiences for adventure and culture enthusiasts steeped in the city's rich heritage and history.' And in Baha, visitors will encounter 'stunning natural beauty from the heights of the mountains to the depths of the valleys in Raghadan Forest.'
Arabian Business
19-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi visitors to Moscow surge 470% as Russia boosts tourism ties
Moscow welcomed 52,400 Saudi tourists in 2024, a nearly six-fold increase from 9,300 visitors the previous year, as Russia's capital strengthens tourism partnerships with the kingdom, Moscow officials said during a promotional tour of Saudi Arabia. The Moscow City Tourism Committee delegation visited Riyadh and Jeddah to promote cultural exchange and position the Russian capital as a leading destination for Saudi travellers as the kingdom's outbound tourism market grows. Saudi tourism to Moscow soars ' Saudi Arabia 's growing interest in Moscow reflects the city's rising profile as a destination that blends rich history, vibrant culture, and modern attractions,' said Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee. 'In the first quarter of 2025, Moscow welcomed 9,900 visitors from Saudi Arabia – it's a 1.5-fold increase compared to the same period last year,' he added. The introduction of an electronic visa system in August 2023 has played a significant role in facilitating travel, with more than 80,000 e-visas issued to Saudi nationals to date, making the kingdom the second-largest recipient of Russian e-visas, according to Moscow officials. The Russian capital has been adapting to accommodate Muslim visitors, with many hotels offering halal dining options and prayer facilities. The city has created a dedicated Muslim-friendly guide listing recommended accommodations and more than 30 halal restaurants throughout Moscow. This summer, the city will host a series of cultural festivals including the Gardens and Flowers Festival, Theatre Boulevard 2025, the Moscow Mansions programme, Moscow Jazz Festival, and Chess Boulevard, designed to offer family-friendly experiences. The tourism outreach efforts align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 programme, which includes plans to build international cultural partnerships and knowledge exchange, the committee said.
