KSA, Riyadh-– Skyscanner has identified a significant surge in searches and bookings for outbound routes from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) as Saudi travellers continue to explore new destinations. The latest data highlights the top international destinations gaining popularity among Saudi residents, showcasing emerging travel preferences and trends across the region.
According to Skyscanner’s data, searches for international travel from Saudi Arabia have experienced robust growth throughout 2024. Year-on-year (YoY) comparisons indicate a steady increase in travel interest, with January searches up by 66% compared to the same period in 2023. This upward trajectory continued across subsequent months, with February searches rising by 54.6%, March by 64.7%, April by 54.1%, May by 47.0%, June by 43.3%, and July by 24.8%. This consistent growth demonstrates a sustained interest in international travel among Saudi residents.
In addition to year-on-year growth, month-on-month (MoM) search volumes have also shown strong performance in 2024. May saw a 57% increase in searches compared to April, while June registered a further 62% increase over April’s figures. However, the data also indicates a seasonal shift, with July experiencing a decrease of 33% from June, suggesting fluctuations in travel interest based on seasonal factors.
The data also reveals several top trending routes departing from Saudi Arabia. For September 2024, popular destinations include Kuwait, Manama, Tbilisi, and Sharm El Sheikh. Notably, searches for the Riyadh-Kuwait route increased by 84%, reflecting heightened interest in this particular destination. In October 2024, there was a significant surge in searches for routes to Hyderabad, with Riyadh-Hyderabad searches increasing by an impressive 325%, followed closely by Jeddah-Chennai at 302%. These trends suggest a growing preference for regional destinations that offer both leisure and business opportunities.
Commenting on these findings, Skyscanner’s Travel Expert, Ayoub El Mamoun, said: “The surge in travel searches and bookings from Saudi Arabia is a positive indicator of the growing appetite for international travel among Saudi residents. We’re seeing a strong interest in both regional and long-haul destinations, reflecting a diverse range of travel preferences, from family visits to leisure trips. As airlines continue to expand their networks and introduce new routes, we expect this trend to continue, providing more opportunities for travellers from Saudi Arabia to explore the world.”
Furthermore, Skyscanner’s data highlights the most searched destinations worldwide from Saudi Arabia. The top countries and cities include India, Egypt, Turkey, the UAE, Pakistan, the UK, Thailand, Indonesia, and Italy, with cities such as Cairo, Istanbul, Dublin, London, Jakarta, and Hyderabad standing out as popular choices. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in searches for “Everywhere,” suggesting a burgeoning desire among Saudi travellers to explore new and diverse destinations beyond the traditional favourites.
The introduction of new routes and increased flight frequencies is likely a key driver behind these trends. Expanded connectivity provides Saudi travellers with more options for both leisure and family travel, facilitating easier access to destinations across the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe. This increased choice is reflected in the broad range of destinations now being searched and booked by travellers from Saudi Arabia.
