Saudi travelers are increasingly embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and flexible booking strategies, with around 80% expressing confidence in using AI for trip planning, according to Skyscanner’s 2026 travel research. This trend highlights a significant shift towards greater control and convenience in the travel market, even as regional disruptions complicate travel dynamics.
As part of this evolving landscape, 44% of Saudi travelers were still actively planning their summer holidays despite the season approaching, while 37% indicated their travel plans remained flexible. Only a small fraction, just 2%, reported no intention to travel during the summer.
Saudi Arabia stands out globally for its high confidence in AI, with 80% of travelers in the Kingdom comfortable using AI for travel planning, compared to a global average of 54%. This places Saudi Arabia among the top markets for AI adoption in travel, trailing only India, Brazil, and the UAE.
Trust and Verification in AI
Despite the high adoption rates, travelers remain cautious about relying solely on AI-generated information. Nearly half of global respondents expressed concerns about the accuracy of AI-generated data, while others worried about being overwhelmed by choices or receiving irrelevant recommendations. This highlights the need for travel companies to combine AI capabilities with verified information on fares, schedules, and accommodations.
Research from Marriott Bonvoy indicates that 68% of Saudi respondents have already used AI for vacation planning, with ChatGPT being the most popular platform among users. Furthermore, 75% of travelers from Saudi Arabia consider AI tools valuable for simplifying itineraries and reducing planning friction.
Flexibility in Booking
Flexibility is reshaping how Saudi travelers approach their itineraries. Skyscanner’s research revealed that 42% of respondents had booked their summer vacations, while 44% were still planning. The trend indicates that travelers are taking more time to compare options before committing, especially in light of recent regional airspace closures and geopolitical disruptions.
In terms of flight preferences, there is a growing willingness among Saudi travelers to consider connecting flights instead of prioritizing non-stop services. This shift is reflected in an 80% increase in the use of Skyscanner’s Layover Filter, which allows users to compare flights based on connection points and transit considerations.
Experience-Driven Travel
Saudi travelers are also becoming more experience-driven, with 93% expressing interest in visiting unique destinations that differ from those typically showcased on social media. This trend suggests that social media continues to play a significant role in travel inspiration, while also creating demand for less familiar locations.
Additionally, 68% of Saudi respondents reported choosing destinations based on specific hotels or resorts they wanted to experience, indicating a shift in how accommodation influences travel decisions.
Domestic Tourism Resilience
Domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia has shown remarkable resilience, with preliminary figures indicating that 28.9 million domestic tourists traveled within the Kingdom in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 16% increase from the previous year. This robust local demand provides a buffer against international travel disruptions and highlights the growing appeal of domestic destinations.
As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its tourism infrastructure and connectivity, the preferences of its travelers are becoming increasingly significant for the global travel industry. The rapid adoption of AI in travel reflects broader digital trends within the Kingdom, positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of AI development as part of its Vision 2030 initiative.
For more details, visit Economy Middle East.
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