Saudi Arabia has been ranked ninth among the world’s leading adventure tourism destinations for 2026 in the “Most Desirable Destination for Adventure” category of the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards.
The result was based on votes from more than 251,000 readers and reflects the Kingdom’s diverse combination of adventure, nature, and cultural experiences across its destinations.
Global Recognition
Saudi Arabia secured ninth place in the “Most Desirable Destination for Adventure” category for 2026, according to the official results of the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, organized by British travel and tourism magazine Wanderlust.
Peru topped the list, followed by Canada and New Zealand. Costa Rica ranked fourth, Australia fifth, Morocco sixth, Argentina seventh, the United States eighth, Saudi Arabia ninth, and Jordan tenth.
The magazine announced the results of its 25th edition, which drew 251,461 readers who cast more than 8.2 million votes across categories covering countries, cities, islands, and regions, as well as tour operators and airlines. Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s position in the adventure category reflects participants’ preferences for this type of travel.
The awards ceremony took place at the Painted Hall of the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London, attended by around 500 leaders and professionals from the travel industry. Gold, silver, and bronze awards were presented across 23 categories, with an emphasis on responsible tourism and the protection of natural destinations and local communities.
Adventure Meets Heritage
Saudi destinations offer a broad range of adventure experiences. In AlUla, experiences promoted by the Royal Commission for AlUla include nature hikes, hot-air balloon rides, ziplining over valleys, stargazing, and exploring desert formations, allowing visitors to combine physical activity with immersion in the natural landscape.
Visitors can also pair adventure with heritage tourism, from Hegra—Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site—to Dadan, Jabal Ikmah, and the Old Town. This combination adds depth to the journey by bringing together the area’s history and its natural environment.
Options promoted through the Spirit of Saudi Arabia platform also include diving and sailing in the Red Sea, exploring the Asir highlands, and experiencing the cultural and heritage attractions of Diriyah and Historic Jeddah, giving travelers the flexibility to design journeys around their interests.
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