Skyscanner unveils the key travel vibes, budget-friendly destinations, and emerging trends driving Saudi traveller behaviour in the upcoming year.
From the revival of cowboy culture to digital detox holidays, Saudi travellers are eager for experiences that connect them with like-minded communities.
Dubai, UAE, 17 October 2024 – Skyscanner today unveils its much-anticipated ‘Travel Trends 2025’ report, revealing the latest Saudi traveller preferences shaping the travel industry. With insights drawn from Skyscanner’s proprietary data on flights and hotels and in-depth consumer behaviour research*, the report highlights seven key trends, the top travel destinations, and the types of experiences Saudi travellers are increasingly seeking.
Value-Driven, Experience-Led Travel
As we approach 2025, the way Saudi travellers evaluate the value of a trip is shifting. While price still plays an important role, it’s the sense of shared experience that’s capturing the imagination. Saudi residents are prioritising destinations that offer cultural, social, and communal experiences over simple relaxation or sightseeing. For instance, 56% of travellers interested in Wild West-inspired trips are drawn to the collective experience of gathering around a campfire.
This shift is influencing destination choices, with travellers looking for affordable yet enriching options. Skyscanner’s data reveals the destinations with the most significant airfare price drops in 2024, giving travellers the best bang for their buck. For example, Rize in Türkiye saw a staggering 529% increase in searches, making it a top choice for value-conscious explorers.
Collective Travel Vibes to Watch in 2025
Gami-Vacation – Leveling Up Travel
Saudi gaming enthusiasts are embracing a new form of travel that merges their love for video games with immersive vacations. Whether attending global gaming conventions or visiting interactive gaming hubs, this trend is capturing the attention of tech-savvy travellers. With gaming hubs in cities like Tokyo and New York attracting a global audience, Gami-Vacation is set to become a prominent travel trend in 2025, offering a unique blend of adventure and play.
Reset Jetters – Wellness Retreats Redefined
Luxury travellers are increasingly prioritizing rejuvenation and wellness, seeking serene, high-end escapes to reset and recharge. With wellness retreats offering tailored experiences focused on relaxation and mental well-being, this trend appeals to those looking for opulence paired with mindfulness. Whether through spa resorts or secluded nature retreats, the rise of Reset Jetters highlights the growing demand for trips that offer restoration and luxury in equal measure.
Astro-Ventures – Cosmic Explorations in the Desert
For culturally curious travellers, astrology and astronomy-based trips are rising in popularity. Astro-ventures provide a deeper connection to the cosmos, especially in the UAE’s desert landscape, where stargazing and celestial explorations offer an otherworldly experience. This trend attracts those looking for a meaningful and awe-inspiring journey, tapping into a sense of wonder and exploration through the lens of the stars.
Trending Saudi Travel Behaviour
Skyscanner’s latest research reveals that 65% of Saudi travellers are selecting destinations based on culinary experiences, with food becoming a major motivator for holiday plans. In addition, 30% of 25-34-year-olds now travel specifically to attend sporting events, driven by the community atmosphere and the shared joy of watching a live event together.
Popular Destinations for Saudi Travellers in 2025
The top destinations with the largest search increases include:
Rize, Türkiye – +529%
Gan, Maldives – +400%
Krakow, Poland – +365%
Montreal, Canada – +310%
Rome, Italy – +240%
These destinations represent a mix of cultural hubs, natural landscapes, and budget-friendly options, catering to the preferences of modern Saudi travellers.
Budget-Friendly Travel in 2025
Cost remains a crucial factor for Saudi travellers, with 60% of hotel prices and 58% of flight costs influencing destination choice. The top value-for-money destinations include:
Malta – Ideal for luxury-seeking travellers on a budget.
Albania – One of Europe’s hidden gems for breathtaking landscapes.
Malaysia – Known for its five-star hotels at incredible value.
Understanding Saudi Travel Trends in 2025
According to Skyscanner’s Travel Expert, Ayoub El Mamoun: “The 2025 travel trends report highlights a growing focus on collective experiences among Saudi travellers. Whether it’s sharing a campfire in the Wild West or enjoying local delicacies in a bustling European city, Saudi travellers are showing a clear desire to connect with others. As we move into 2025, travel remains a priority, with many planning to spend more on their trips next year than ever before.”
