In the summer of 2025, Saudis began exploring their cities and local tourist areas, reflecting a clear shift in travel priorities. Recent data from Google revealed that searches for domestic vacations recorded significant growth, with Saudi Arabia rising to third place in the Arab world after Tunisia and Oman in interest in domestic tourism.
A significant increase in searches for vacations within the Kingdom
Google recorded a 35% increase in searches related to the term "staycation" during June and July 2025, indicating a growing interest among Saudis in spending vacations within the country. This trend is due to the Kingdom's diverse geographical options, ranging from coasts to mountains to cities with moderate climates.
Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Wajh and Jizan top the list of destinations
Data showed that cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Wajh, Jizan, and Medina saw significant growth in tourism searches compared to last summer. According to Marwa Khost, Google's Communications and Media Manager, this demand is due to the diversity of terrain and activities, which provide options to suit a variety of tastes.
Details of interest to Saudi travelers
Saudis are no longer content with simply choosing a travel destination; they are now looking for the smallest details that guarantee a comfortable and personalized experience. Among the most prominent searches are family-friendly accommodations, locations near swimming pools, recreational activities for children, and camping sites for nature lovers. There has also been an increased interest in facilities that welcome pets.
Gemini: A smart partner in trip planning
Artificial intelligence has become an integral part of the travel experience for many Saudis, with some relying on Google's smart assistant, Gemini, to design trips based on their personal preferences. Thanks to its support for Arabic and local dialects, it's easy to use for planning through queries such as, "Guide me to a two-day family trip to Al Wajh" or "Best restaurants with a sea view in Jizan."
All areas... and all ages
Google indicated that this trend is not limited to a specific age group or region, but rather encompasses Saudis of all ages and regions, reflecting a general growing interest in local tourism.
Domestic tourism: a long-term strategic option
Although the summer season represents the peak of tourism activity, data indicates that Saudis' interest in domestic travel continues throughout the year, driven by the various seasons and events organized by relevant authorities. Marwa Khost noted that the collaboration between Google and government agencies contributes to developing travel experiences based on accurate data.
Google Trends: A tool for understanding trends
Everyone can see the most popular searches through Google Trends, a platform that provides free, live data on trending topics. Google also plans to release a comprehensive report by the end of the year summarizing user interests in the Kingdom and the region.
Saudi Arabia ranks third in the Arab world in local holidays.
During the summer of 2025, the Kingdom ranked third in the Arab world in terms of domestic tourism search rates, ahead of countries like Egypt, which ranked fourth. This ranking confirms that the Kingdom is now a strong competitor in offering rich and diverse local tourism experiences.
Diversity of objectives and development of tools
From sandy coasts to mountainous heights, from wild camps to vibrant cities, Saudi Arabia offers a complete tourism experience. With users relying on smart tools like Gemini, vacation planning has become more precise and flexible, enhancing the appeal of local tourism.
