Saudi Arabia’s Gen Z drives domestic...

54% of kingdom’s young travellers take staycations

Gen Z travellers in Saudi Arabia are driving the kingdom’s domestic tourism agenda as they discover their home country more, with 54% taking a staycation in the last six months, according to a report from Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with YouGov.

Interest in domestic travel is even higher among women travellers, with 55% exploring closer to home in places such as heritage region AlUla (pictured) and Jeddah on the Red Sea coast, and among those Gen Z not in the workforce, with 72% having recently taken a break in Saudi.

This follows data from travel company Almosafer, reporting the rise of domestic trips by 44% in 2024, with groups increasingly choosing destinations that offer event-based and experience-rich opportunities.

Saudi has one of the youngest populations, with two thirds under the age of 35. Social media is the main source of travel inspiration for 39% of those surveyed and 64% enjoy visiting destinations that are trending on social media or that have appeared in films or TV. More than 8 in 10 (81%) say they use, or are willing to try, AI-powered tools for their travel planning.

When it comes to accommodation, Gen Z Saudis prefer comfort and value, enabling longer stays, or places that provide an authentic local experience, such as Hegra, Saudi’s first Unesco World Heritage Site, which is sensitively adding boutique hotels complete with experiences such as storytelling and guided hikes that showcase the ancient Nabatean city.

Sustainability is also a priority, with 35% looking for environmentally friendly hotels, and 45% saying they prefer more sustainable modes of transport.

That sentiment aligns with Saudi developments such as The Red Sea which runs its hotels and resorts on 100% renewable energy and uses electric vehicles as part of its regenerative tourism philosophy. The Red Sea’s Shebara Resort, which ticks many boxes for Gen Z travellers, was recently named on TIME’s 'World's Greatest Places' list in 2025.

“What we’re witnessing is a generational shift,” said Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

“Gen Z travellers in Saudi Arabia are increasingly choosing to explore their own backyard, not just out of convenience, but because they’re proud of what the kingdom has to offer. They’re driven by a desire to connect with local culture, contribute to the economy and travel more sustainably.”

For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com

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