As we approach 2025, many people have begun planning their upcoming vacation, choosing their next travel destinations for the new year.
The Scottish search aggregator and travel agency Skyscanner has published its Travel Trends 2025 report, which highlights the growing preferences of Saudi travelers and how they will shape the Saudi travel landscape in the coming years.
Changing Travel Preferences
According to the Travel Trends 2025 report, Saudi travelers are showing increasing interest in destinations that offer cultural and social experiences. The data shows that culinary experiences play a major role in determining destinations for 65% of Saudi travelers. Furthermore, nearly third of people aged between 25-34 years old travelling to attend sporting events worldwide.
This shift in preferences is having an influence on how they choose their destinations, with travelers searching for affordable and enriching options. In the light of this, Skyscanner’s Travel Expert Ayoub El Mamoun said: “The 2025 travel trends report highlights a growing focus on collective experiences among Saudi travelers,” according to List Magazine.
He added: “Whether it’s sharing a campfire in the Wild West or enjoying local delicacies in a bustling European city, Saudi travelers are showing a clear desire to connect with others. As we move into 2025, travel remains a priority, with many planning to spend more on their trips next year than ever before.”
Travel Trends in 2025
The report cited several travel trends that will shape the travel landscape for Saudi Arabia’s travelers in 2025. The top three trends are Gami-Vacation, Reset Jetters, and Astro-Ventures.
The first trend, Gami-Vacation, is related to video games. Skyscanner’s data points to an increase in flights to worldwide gaming conventions. Gaming enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia are embracing this new form of travel, which combines their love for video games with vacations.
Gami-Vacation is going to be a prominent travel trend in 2025, with gaming hubs in cities such as Tokyo and New York drawing in a global audience, for an experience blending joy and adventure.
Wellness and Stargazing
The second trend, Reset Jetters, is all about luxury and wellness. Travelers are giving more emphasis to rejuvenation and wellness, in pursuit of serene, high-end escapes to reset and recharge. This kind of travel focuses on relaxation and mental well-being. The rise of Reset Jetters underscores the growing demand for travel that offers restoration and luxury.
Meanwhile, the third travel trend is the Astro-Ventures. The report indicates that astrology and astronomy-based trips are gaining more popularity. This kind of travel offers a deeper connection to the cosmos, especially in the charming desert of AlUla, a recently-recognized Dark Sky Park. The Astro-Ventures trend attracts travelers who seek a purposeful and impressive journey that takes them through the wonders of the sky.
Popular Travel Destination in 2025
The Skyscanner report cites the favorite travel destinations for Saudi travelers in 2025, based on the largest search surges. The most popular destinations include places in Europe, North America and Asia, representing a mix of cultural hubs, natural landscapes, and budget-friendly options.
The first is Rize, Türkiye, with 529% increase in search interest. It is a preferred destination for nature lovers, combining tea plantations, breathtaking cliffs and waterfalls.
In the second place comes Gan, Maldives, with 400% increase in searches. Travelers can discover the island’s history through its ancient mosques and explore its cultural heritage in the traditional markets that sell local goods and handmade crafts. Travelers can also relax at its unspoiled beaches and charming waters.
Krakow, Poland, ranks the third with 365% increase in searches. Krakow is home to the UNESCO-listed Old Town, featuring cozy cafes, art galleries, and local markets. It also hosts the Wawel Castle, located on a hill overlooking the Vistula River.
The fourth travel destination is Montreal, Canada, with 310% search increase. The city combines ancient heritage with modernity. From the Old Montreal streets, with its 17th-century buildings that reflect the French heritage, to the bohemian neighborhoods, such as Mile End, that reflect creativity and multicultural vibes, travelers can enjoy a rich experience.
The fifth place goes to Rome, Italy, with 240% increase in searches. The city of history and culture is the dream destination for many travelers. Rome boasts a unique blend of ancient culture and rich cuisine that offers an exceptional experience.
Emerging Saudi Destinations
The Skyscanner report shows two Saudi cities emerging among the top 10 popular travel destinations for Indian travelers in 2025. These destinations have seen the highest increase in flight searches over the past 12 months.
AlUla has seen a 133% increase in search interest, putting it in the 6th place. AlUla is an ancient oasis that boasts a rich cultural heritage. It is Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO-listed Heritage Site, as well as the first International Dark Sky Park in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
AlUla is an ideal destination for stargazing and astrophotography. It also hosts various festivals and events to enhance culture and knowledge enrichment, in distinctive experiences combining natural beauty and ancient history.
Moreover, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, ranks the eighth, with 116% search increase. Riyadh is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of heritage and modernity. It hosts historic neighborhoods and traditional souqs, such as Almaigliah, Al Owais and Al Zal, which showcase the city’s ancient history and authentic heritage. Additionally, it is home to towering skyscrapers and the biggest entertainment events, such as Riyadh Season, reflecting Riyadh’s modernity and futuristic vision.
