Saudi Arabia has taken the lead as the top destination for MENA travellers in Q4 2023, according to the latest data from Wego, the region’s leading online travel platform. KSA has now been the top destination for six consecutive months.
Following Saudi Arabia, Egypt and India remain steadfast in their positions as popular choices, reflecting their significant roles in supplying talent and labor to the Gulf, as well as their long-standing appeal as travel destinations.
Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, expressed his enthusiasm about Saudi Arabia’s prominence and the sustained interest in the United Kingdom as the favorite European destination for Middle Eastern travellers. “We are thrilled to witness Saudi Arabia ascend as the foremost destination for travelers in the MENA region in Q4 of 2023. According to Wego’s data, the Kingdom stands out as a popular choice among travelers seeking a distinctive cultural experience and the opportunity to explore its diverse attractions. As for the preferred European destination, the United Kingdom maintains its dominance as the top choice from the Middle East. At Wego, we take pride in facilitating connections between travelers and the best each country has to offer. We eagerly anticipate sustaining our collaborative efforts with our partners to promote the unique tourism offerings of these countries,” said Hmedan.
The analysis, based on millions of flight and hotel searches on Wego, also revealed movements in the lower half of the top 10, with Pakistan making notable gains. On the other hand, Turkey has seen a decrease in interest after previously benefiting from favorable currency rates and cooler summer weather, now settling at the seventh position.
Significant movements were also noted beyond the top 20, with Russia and China making impressive strides, indicating their emerging popularity among travelers.
In the Middle East, the rankings remained relatively stable, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE dominating the top spots. The dynamic nature of travel preferences is reflected in the shifting interest towards different destinations, highlighting the ever-changing landscape of travel trends.
This latest report from Wego reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s leading position in the MENA travel market, showcasing the Kingdom’s continued appeal as a top destination for travelers seeking rich cultural experiences and diverse attractions.
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