Saudi travellers favour visa-free destinations: Wego

Saudi travellers are shifting towards visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations, focusing on short, immersive trips that emphasise authentic cultural engagement and seamless entry procedures, according to recent travel insights.

 

Armenia recorded the highest year-on-year surge in search volume at 98.96%, followed by Hong Kong SAR (96.66%), the Philippines (62.86%), and South Korea (60.24%).

 

This trend is attributed to the combination of simplified entry requirements and the growing appeal of culturally rich destinations.

 

 Armenia's decision to waive visa requirements for citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, effective July 2025, is expected to significantly boost inbound tourism from Saudi Arabia and neighbouring states.

 

The Hong Kong Tourism Board has launched "Summer Viva 2025," a comprehensive cultural campaign featuring year-round live performances, visitor vouchers, and experiential events aimed at culture-focused travellers.

 

These destinations offer practical advantages such as shorter flight durations, more affordable costs, and expanding infrastructure catering to Muslim travellers, such as halal food options and family-friendly facilities.

 

Commenting on the findings, Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said: “Saudi travelers are seeking destinations that are easy to reach and provide enriching, authentic cultural experiences. The popularity of countries like Armenia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and South Korea reflects a growing demand for practical and inspiring alternatives to conventional luxury tourism, particularly those with geographic proximity and well-connected urban layouts.”

 

He added that Wego supports this trend by offering intelligent tools that help travelers filter visa-free destinations, discover trending attractions, and receive personalised recommendations powered by AI.

 

“Our platform allows users to compare prices, tailor their search results, and find experiences that align with their interests, behavior, and budget,” Hmidan explained. -TradeArabia News Service