Tourism Breaking News
Saudi travellers are showing a marked shift in their holiday preferences, with destinations such as Da Nang in Vietnam and Shanghai in China witnessing significant spikes in interest, according to Jarrod Kris, Head of Destination Partnerships APAC at Skyscanner, in a special interview with TTME at ITB Asia. Da Nang recorded a 260% year-on-year increase in searches, driven by its golden beaches, marble mountains, and lively street food culture, while Shanghai saw an even higher 285% surge, reflecting a growing curiosity for culturally rich, non-traditional destinations. Kris noted that 89% of Saudi travellers are now planning mountain escapes for summer or autumn next year, marking a major lifestyle trend toward nature-based and multi-generational travel. Other rising destinations include Turkey, Armenia, Jaipur, Hong Kong, and Tanzania, as Saudi tourists look beyond Europe for new experiences. He added that improved air connectivity and easier visa access to Asian destinations are accelerating this trend. The data underscores a broader transformation in GCC travel behaviour, with younger travellers in particular driving demand for diverse, immersive, and family-oriented journeys.
Read More »Saudi travellers turn to Da Nang and Shanghai as new hotspots
