JEDDAH: As summer winds down, Saudi travelers are increasingly choosing to explore their own backyard. From the Red Sea coast to the mountain retreats of the south, staycations and local getaways are shaping the Kingdom’s tourism landscape.
According to travel platform Skyscanner, Jeddah, Riyadh, Abha, Dammam and Madinah topped domestic search lists in July and August, reflecting a growing appetite for cultural, leisure and family-friendly experiences.
Jeddah was the most searched destination, drawing visitors to its coastline, festivals and expanding leisure offerings.
Riyadh maintained its position as a hub for large events, dining and shopping, while Abha’s cooler mountain climate attracted those seeking relief from the heat. Dammam’s location made it a popular weekend spot.
Accommodation demand mirrored these patterns. Makkah led hotel searches between June and August, followed by Jeddah, Madinah and Riyadh.
Ayoub El-Mamoun, a travel expert at Skyscanner, said the season underscored ֱ’s growing appeal as a destination in itself.
“The strong trend toward local travel reflects growing confidence in the Kingdom’s tourism infrastructure and highlights how travelers are finding more value in local experiences,” he said.
“From Riyadh to Jeddah, Saudi travelers have shown a preference to stay in the Kingdom and enjoy a perfect summer getaway.”
Hotels have been quick to adapt. Hassan Khaleel, regional operations director for the Makkah region at Elaf Group of Hotels, said: “We have noticed a clear shift in behavior, with more residents and citizens opting to spend their summers within the Kingdom, whether in holy sites or major leisure destinations.
“We’ve introduced customized room packages and seasonal offers that ensure guests enjoy value and comfort.”
On the ground, some operators saw booking trends diverge from search demand. Seyaha, a licensed tour operator under the Ministry of Tourism, reported a 38 percent jump in sales from July to August.
Its CEO Mostafa Attia said that Abha and Madinah were the leading destinations but he expected Riyadh and AlUla to be more popular “when the winter season kicks in.”
Attia attributes much of the growth to innovation. While locals are familiar with landmarks such as Al-Balad in Jeddah, Art Street in Abha, or Diriyah in Riyadh, operators are refreshing itineraries with new experiences.
“This makes the same traditional destination appeal to more generations and attracts new segments,” he said.
A day in Jeddah might include a guided walk through Al-Balad, a hands-on art session and a seafood meal at the fish market, he said.
In Abha, excursions might link visits to Tabab Castle and the High City with a cable car ride and a mountain-view gathering at a local farm.
Riyadh-based tours extend beyond the city to Dhurma, offering visitors traditional breakfasts, historic village explorations and desert adventures.
The staycation trend is also reshaping how Saudis plan their trips.
“There are many access points nowadays for staycation guests, especially with the winter season approaching,” Attia said.
“Farms around Riyadh or AlUla are becoming popular destinations as owners see the benefits of rehabilitating their properties into tourist-friendly stays. Short-stay rentals also support a greater diversity of accommodation options.”
For many, climate remains a powerful draw. Mohmmed Awoud Alshehri, owner of Al-Matal Apartments in Al-Namas in Asir region, said his property was fully booked through the summer.
“The weather is a major factor. The rain and pleasant climate attract people to come to this region,” he said.
Tour guides are also seeing demand for more deeper cultural engagement.
In Jeddah’s Al-Balad district, guide Abir Abusulayman said that Saudis wanted more than sightseeing.
“Walking tours exploring traditional architecture, old souks and local crafts are especially popular. Many visitors enjoy guided storytelling, food tasting, and hands-on engagement with artisans, creating memorable experiences,” she said.
Families and young travelers increasingly prioritized experiences that were interactive, convenient, and rooted in heritage, she said.
With Vision 2030 driving investment in hospitality, culture and entertainment, ֱ’s domestic tourism is set to expand further.
The UN World Tourism Barometer recently reported that the number of international arrivals to ֱ in the first quarter of this year was more than double that for the same period of 2019.
At the same time, locals are rediscovering their own country, from heritage to hidden farms, redefining the future of travel within ֱ.
