Jeddah: With summer over, Saudi travelers increasingly choose to explore their backyards. From the Red Sea coast to the mountain retreats to the south, stays and local holidays shape the kingdom's tourist scenery.
Jeddah, Riyadh, Abha, Dammam and Madinah toped the domestic search list in July and August, according to travel platform Skyscanner.
Jeddah was the most searched destination and attracted visitors who expanded their coastline, festivals and leisure offerings.
Riyadh maintained its status as a hub for large events, meals and shopping, but the cool mountain weather in Aba attracted those seeking relief from the heat. The Dhammam location has become a popular weekend location.
The demand for accommodation reflects these patterns. Makka led the hotel search between June and August, followed by Jeddah, Madina and Riyadh.
Skyscanner travel expert Ayoub El-Mamoun said the season underscored the growing appeal of Saudi Arabia as a destination itself.
“The strong trend towards local travel reflects an increased confidence in the Kingdom's tourism infrastructure, highlighting that travelers are finding more value in the local experience,” he said.
“From Riyadh to Jeddah, Saudi travelers preferred to stay in the kingdom and enjoy the perfect summer holiday.”
The hotel is adapted quickly. Hassan Khaleel, Regional Operations Director for the Makkah Region of Hotels Group, said:
“We have introduced customized room packages and seasonal offers to ensure our guests enjoy value and comfort.”
On the ground, some operators saw reservation trends diverge from search demand. Seyaha, a tour operator authorized under the Ministry of Tourism, reported a 38% surge in sales from July to August.
CEO Mostafa Attia said Abha and Madinah were their main destinations, but they expected Riyadh and Alula to be more popular “when the winter season begins.”
Attia attributes much of its growth to innovation. Locals are familiar with landmarks such as Al Balad in Jeddah, Art Street in Aba and Diriya in Riyadh, but operators are refreshing to travel with new experiences.
“This appeals to more generations of the same traditional destination and attracts new segments,” he said.
A day in Jeddah could include a guided walk through Alvarado, hands-on art sessions and seafood meals at the fish market, he said.
In Abha, Excursions may link a cable car ride to Tabab Castle and High City visits, which are gathered at local farms.
The Riyadh-based tour extends across the city to Dharma, offering visitors a traditional breakfast, historic village exploration and desert adventure.
Staycation trends are reshaping how Saudi Arabia plans their trip.
“We have a lot of access points these days, especially as winter is approaching,” Attia says.
“Farms around Riyadh and Al-La are becoming popular destinations as owners see the benefits of rehabilitating property for tourism-friendly stays. Short-term rentals also support diversity of accommodation options.”
For many, the climate remains a strong draw. Mohmmed Awoud Alshehri, owner of Al-Matal Apartments in Al-Namas in the Asir area, said his property is fully booked until summer.
“Weather is a big factor. The rain and pleasant weather invite people to come to the area,” he said.
Tour guides also show demand for deeper cultural engagement.
In Jeddah's Al Balad district, Guide Abhsuleiman said Saudi Arabia wants more than tourism.
“Walking tours exploring traditional architecture, old souks and local crafts are especially popular. Many visitors enjoy guided storytelling, food tasting and practical engagement with artisans, creating memorable experiences,” she said.
She said families and young travelers are increasingly prioritizing their interactive, convenient, and heritage-based experiences.
Vision 2030's promotional investment in hospitality, culture and entertainment will further expand Saudi Arabia's domestic tourism.
The United Nations Tourism Barometer recently reported that the number of international arrivals to Saudi Arabia in the first quarter of this year is more than twice the same period in 2019.
At the same time, locals are rediscovering their country, from their heritage to hidden farms, and redefine the future of travel within Saudi Arabia.
