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International flight searches originating in Saudi increased 33.6% this winter compared to last year, according to a statement (pdf) from travel app Wego. The report did not disclose which months were assigned to the winter or summer seasons and did not supply further details on its methodology.
Airfare costs were 25.5% cheaper this winter compared to this year’s summer peak travel season, and were down 3% y-o-y, according to the platform’s data.
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Where to? Wego search data pointed to Egypt, Pakistan, and India as the most popular winter destinations for Saudi-based travelers, followed by Turkey and the UAE. The trends reflect the large number of expatriates in Saudi choosing to travel back to their home countries for year-end holidays. Geographical proximity, cultural similarities, and accessibility also increased Turkey and the UAE’s appeal to Saudi-based year-end travelers, the travel app said.
Looking further afield: Saudi-based travelers also sought more distant destinations this winter, with Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines emerging as the most popular headings in Southeast Asia, while travelers to Europe preferred the UK, Azerbaijan, and Italy. Some of these destinations offer visa exemptions or simplified procedures for Saudis, with Thailand, Indonesia, the UAE, the Philippines, and Turkey not requiring a visa for entry, and Pakistan, India, Azerbaijan, and the UK only requiring an e-Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
