Almosafer Travel & Tourism has reported changing travel patterns among Saudi travellers during the first seven months of 2026, with domestic tourism gaining momentum and travellers increasingly seeking flexible, personalised experiences.

Based on booking data from 1 January to 31 July, domestic travel accounted for 46% of all bookings, up 13% year-on-year, while domestic room nights increased 44%. Makkah and Madinah recorded a 53% rise in room nights, while room nights on the Red Sea surged more than 4,000%, alongside growing demand for Aseer, AlUla, Taif, Jizan and King Abdullah Economic City.

Internationally, travellers expanded beyond established regional destinations, with Egypt’s North Coast and Red Sea Coast, Tangier and Marrakesh gaining interest. Istanbul, London, Paris and Phuket remained popular, while Moscow, Athens, Madrid and Shanghai emerged among trending destinations.

Low-cost carriers accounted for 60% of flight segments, while Saudi airlines increased their share to 57%. Four- and five-star hotels represented 74% of room nights, although alternative accommodation grew 21%.

Activity bookings surged 464%, while connected bookings combining flights or stays with activities or transfers increased 368%. Protection products also gained traction, with customer adoption rising 154%.

Payment habits continued to evolve, with financing options including Buy Now Pay Later used in 29% of bookings and Apple Pay accounting for 44% of payments. The Almosafer app remained the dominant booking channel at 77%.

AI is also influencing travel planning, with 21% of travellers offered Almosafer’s AI accommodation filters using the feature.

“What this year showed us is the resilience of the Saudi traveller. Despite the geopolitical challenges across parts of the wider region, travel continued - differently, not less. Saudis chose the Kingdom in record numbers and at the top of the market, on the Red Sea, in AlUla, and for religious journeys in Makkah and Madinah, whilst exploring other parts of the Kingdom for leisure trips. That is Vision 2030 showing up in real booking behaviour. Internationally, they explored far beyond traditional routes, and their planning evolved with it, from bespoke itineraries and protection booked up front, to AI shaping how they search. At Almosafer, our role is to stay ahead of this evolution - making the Kingdom as seamless to book as any global destination while delivering the convenience and flexibility our travellers expect at every step,” said Muzzammil Ahussain, Chief Executive Officer at Almosafer Travel & Tourism. -TradeArabia News Service