Saudi Arabia is witnessing a significant surge in travel activity as the holy month of Ramadan approaches, according to recent insights shared by Wego, the leading travel app and largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This annual peak travel period, embraced by many for religious, cultural, and leisure purposes, showcases remarkable trends shaping the travel preferences of Saudi residents.
Data from Wego reveals travel bookings from Saudi Arabia have experienced an astonishing 131.69% month-over-month increase as Ramadan draws near, reflecting heightened interest among locals for both domestic and international trips. Scheduled bookings are anticipated to peak throughout March, with Egypt, India, and Pakistan standing out as top international destinations. These choices highlight the strong cultural and familial connections Saudi travelers maintain beyond their borders. Domestically, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam continue to rank as favorite destinations, offering various attractions spanning spirituality, family engagement, and leisure.
Among these trends, luxury and comfort have taken the spotlight. Characteristics of this trend are underscored by the fact 4- and 5-star hotels make up 53.12% of all accommodation bookings for both domestic and international stays during Ramadan. The hotels located within the holy city of Makkah lead the way, reinforcing the city’s significance during this sacred season. Though Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage, can be performed throughout the year, its heightened importance during Ramadan draws immense tourism, offering worshippers enriching experiences.
Interestingly, another pattern is on the rise: the increasing popularity of solo travel. Findings indicate 76.32% of Saudi users booking their trips for Ramadan 2024 are opting for solo journeys, with early 2025 trends continuing to suggest this shift. While family and couple travel retains its value, the burgeoning trend of solitary travelers reveals changing dynamics among Saudi youth adopting flexibility and independence within their personal and sacred experiences.
Mobile technology plays a considerable role as well, demonstrating how travel planning is becoming increasingly digital. Wego’s report highlights 62% of Ramadan 2024 bookings were made using the Wego app, which aligns with the broader trend of travelers seeking seamless, on-the-go curated itineraries, real-time booking, and personalized recommendations.
“With Ramadan being one of the most significant periods for travel planning, we are witnessing clear preferences emerge for effortless mobile-first travel coordination alongside high-end hospitality and performing Umrah,” said Mamoun Hmidan, Wego's Chief Business Officer. “These insights solidify Wego’s role as pivotal for travelers seeking personalized experiences, be it for religious activities, family reunions, or new adventures.”
Exploring current shifts from recent trends affecting consumer behavior, SSP's forthcoming whitepaper reveals extended insights on factors impacting travel and hospitality sectors. One segment highlights the global megatrends shaping consumer expectations ranging from geopolitical shifts to environmental sustainability. The paper categorizes these trends to reflect the changing desires among modern travelers for unique experiences and digital innovations.
Particularly notable is the growing importance of choosing eco-friendly options, greatly influenced by awareness surrounding climate change. Today's consumers proactively seek travel options with minimal environmental impact, thereby reflecting their commitment to sustainability.
Alongside environmental awareness, the consumer's appetite for innovation continues to expand with the acceleration of digital technologies. Travelers now express heightened demands toward reassuring companies about how these enhancements will integrate with human interactions. SSP's report emphasizes the holiday preference for leisure travel continues to surpass business trips, with the popularity of 'bleisure' travel rising. This trend signifies the blending of business and leisure travel, allowing customers to extend their trips beyond business engagements.
Engaging with trends affecting travel sectors is also gaining traction among younger generations. Notably, Agoda's recent survey showcases the travel habits of Asian Gen Z tourists. Between January 10 and 31, 2025, over 15,000 young travelers across several Asian markets, including India and Vietnam, participated, offering insightful metrics on their preferences.
The survey reveals TikTok leads as the primary source of travel inspiration among Gen Z, with 20% turning to the platform for travel ideas—far surpassing recommendations from family and friends, which ranked at 17%. This demonstrates the growing influence of social media on travel choices. The love for spontaneity is also present, as 20% of Gen Z participants reported booking flights less than one week beforehand, far surpassing older generations.
Travel preferences for Gen Z exhibit strong social inclinations, with 38% indicating they prefer exploring with partners over solitude, highlighting the essence of shared experiences. Interestingly, affordability remains pivotal across generations. When it concerns budget, 56% of Gen Z favors accommodations priced under USD 50 per night, evidencing their collective inclination toward cost-effective travel without sacrificing experiences.
Despite generational differences, the survey indicates Gen Z and Millennials share similar ambitions for adventure, with nearly half from each generation planning 1-3 trips for the year. This signals prevailing wanderlust across demographics and marks future development ripe with opportunities to address consumer needs and preferences within the travel sector.
Implementing new strategies based on traveler expectations and preferences presents viable growth avenues for various stakeholders. The upcoming developments and the expansion of offerings such as luxury accommodations, cultural immersion, and wellness tourism can demonstrate adaptability to the changing consumer base. Whether influencing travel trends or setting paths for new generations, staying connected to shifting habits is imperative for those embedded within the travel and hospitality industries.