Family comes first for travellers in Saudi Arabia with around 50 per cent of holidaymakers from the kingdom going abroad with their extended family, a leading travel search site has revealed.

“Examining the data trails on Wego, we find group travel planning correlates with popular family destinations; each providing unique getaways with something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Many of the accommodation options at these destinations also cater to large families, with sofa bed and connecting room options to suit large family groups,” said Mamoun Hmedan, managing director of Wego Middle East, North Africa and India, .

Istanbul and Dubai topped the list of popular destinations among Saudi Arabian travellers.

“By far the largest flight search on Wego occurs during Ramadan, with Istanbul leading most popular as a family destination,” said Hmedan. “During 2015, over 33 per cent of Saudi family travellers selected four-star accommodation, and 40 per cent selected the flexibility and luxury of five-star resorts and hotels”.

Jakarta, Cairo and Jeddah rounded off the top five popular destinations.

Wego also highlighted that family travel was highly considered among UAE travellers as a number of expats return to their home countries or travel abroad for family holidays.

“Similarly to Saudi Arabia, four and five-star hotels are most preferred for family travels, with 32 per cent of the UAE’s accommodation choices requesting four-star accommodation and 48 per cent opting for five-star properties,” said Hmedan.

Cairo leads as the most popular destination for UAE travellers, followed closely by Istanbul and Jeddah. Amman and Bangkok cap the list as the top five destinations.

 “For destinations and hotels to appeal to this extremely large travel segment, they need to be able to accommodate large groups comfortably,” Hmedan said in conclusion. “Many destinations are appealing to this lucrative market by including a variety of additional options and packages, such as complimentary kids meals, extra beds, activities and group transfers, to entice family travellers.” - TradeArabia News Service