Domestic tourist destinations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are experiencing heightened activity in family travel as the Eid Al-Adha holiday approaches. Many families prefer to spend the holiday in resorts and coastal cities, coinciding with a surge in demand for accommodation and hospitality services.
Families are benefiting from the variety of available tourist options and the ease of access to destinations, in addition to the expansion of digital booking services and the improved quality of hospitality facilities, whether in hotels, serviced apartments, or resorts and chalets.
Event Details
Many families are heading to the resorts of Asir, Al-Baha, and Taif in search of mild weather and mountainous nature, while coastal cities like Jeddah, Yanbu, and Khobar remain popular choices for beach and resort lovers. Official figures indicate that domestic tourism recorded approximately 86.16 million local tourists in 2024, with a total of 538.62 million overnight stays and an average stay of 6.25 nights.
Local tourist spending reached around 115.28 billion riyals, reflecting the scale of domestic tourism activity. In June 2024, the number of local tourists peaked at 9.61 million tourists, with leisure trips topping the list of local tourism purposes.
Background & Context
Data from the General Authority for Statistics shows that the number of licensed tourist accommodation facilities in the Kingdom reached 5,622 facilities during the third quarter of 2025, marking an increase of 40.6% compared to the same quarter in 2024. This expansion enhances the capacity of local destinations to accommodate the increasing demand during holiday and summer periods.
The domestic travel movement impacts multiple sectors, including hotels, restaurants, cafes, and transportation, thereby boosting economic activity in tourist cities and provinces.
Impact & Consequences
The variety of destinations within the Kingdom allows families to choose the right experience, whether it be a short trip or a family stay in a chalet or resort. This diversity promotes domestic tourism as a practical and economical option during the holiday season.
Between the southern mountains and the sea coasts, the Eid Al-Adha holiday appears to be an opportunity to discover national destinations, contributing to the activation of the local economy and solidifying domestic travel as a primary choice for families.
Regional Significance
The domestic travel movement in the Kingdom serves as a model for the region, reflecting the ability of Arab countries to enhance domestic tourism. This experience could encourage other countries to develop similar tourism infrastructure, contributing to the strengthening of local economies.
In conclusion, the Eid Al-Adha holiday represents an ideal opportunity to boost domestic tourism, benefiting both families and the national economy.