\n\tRIYADH: Saudi travelers are increasingly relying on smart technologies, with 87 percent using generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to plan and manage their vacations, according to a survey.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tIn its latest report, global consumer insights provider Toluna revealed that 46 percent of Saudi travelers are using AI assistants to discover activities, while 43 percent use them for translation purposes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tThese findings align with the broader trend observed in the Kingdom, where the number of people using AI tools is increasingly rising.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tIn June, a report prepared by Google with UK-based research agency Public First showed that 80 percent of Saudi adults use AI tools, with one in three utilizing them regularly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tThis is nearly double the share of adults in the US who report using large language model-based chatbots, which stood at 52 percent according to a study by Elon University in North Carolina.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cAI is becoming a trusted travel companion, and not just among younger generations. From finding hidden gems and translating on the go, to getting activity suggestions, young Saudi travelers are making the most of AI to enhance every part of their journey,\u201d said Georges Akkaoui, enterprise account director Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa at Toluna.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe survey said 43 percent of Saudi travelers use AI to find the best deals, while 31 percent rely on these technologies to optimize their itineraries, and 38 percent use them for restaurant suggestions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cWhat is interesting is that this (use of AI) is not limited to the tech-savvy; we are seeing notable adoption even among older travelers, with over 40 percent of 45\u201360-year-olds also using AI for deals, activities, and translation,\u201d said Akkaoui.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tHe added: \u201cIn fact, less than 15 percent of respondents are not using AI for their travels. This shows that generative AI is no longer niche, it is becoming mainstream, cross-generational, and it is already reshaping how people prepare for and experience their trips.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tThese findings also underscore the progress of AI adoption in Saudi Arabia, with the technology emerging as a key component of the Kingdom\u2019s post-oil economic development strategy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tAccording to the Global AI Competitiveness Index released in January, the Kingdom ranked 15th globally in research output in the sector, having produced 29,639 AI-related publications.<\/p>\n
\n\tThis ranking places it among the top contributors to global research and highlights its emerging role as a regional technology leader.<\/p>\n
\n\tSaudi Arabia\u2019s Public Investment Fund, in partnership with Google, launched Project Transcendence in 2024, a $100 billion undertaking, as part of its efforts to advance the growth of AI.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe initiative is set to bolster the growth of local tech startups, generate employment opportunities, and foster collaborations with global technology firms, positioning the Kingdom at the forefront of regional innovation.<\/p>\n
\n\tTraditional sources remain strong<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tDespite the significant adoption of AI tools in the travel sector, traditional information sources, along with influencers and online recommendations, continue to play an important role in shaping travel decisions among Saudi travelers.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe Toluna survey said 41 percent of the Kingdom\u2019s travelers still rely on recommendations from family members and friends.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tSome 46 percent of Saudi travelers prioritize safety and security when selecting destinations, while 48 percent consider scenery as the decision-making factor.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cDespite having access to more information than they can possibly digest, and probably because of that overload, many still turn to those they trust for inspiration, with family and friends remaining an important source of travel recommendations,\u201d said Akkaoui.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cAt the same time, it is not surprising that, as with other aspects of their lives, younger travelers also rely on influencers and online recommendations for ideas and inspiration, showing how digital and personal guidance now shape the travel journey side by side,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\n\tMeanwhile, 47 percent of the respondents plan to travel internationally this summer, while 37 percent are opting for leisure trips within the Kingdom.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tOnly 4 percent of respondents reported having no travel plans, highlighting a strong overall appetite for summer travel.<\/p>\n
\n\tUnderscoring the growth of domestic tourism in May, Saudi Arabia\u2019s Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said the Kingdom is placing human-centered travel at the forefront of its tourism strategy, focusing on authentic cultural experiences, meaningful interactions, and community engagement.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tHe added that this people-first approach is designed to balance the nation\u2019s rapid infrastructure development with heritage preservation and stronger community connections.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tThe National Tourism Strategy targets 150 million annual visitors by 2030, after surpassing the 100 million milestone ahead of schedule, with official data showing the Kingdom welcomed 116 million tourists in 2024, exceeding its annual target for the second consecutive year.<\/p>\n
\n\tTurkiye, the most preferred destination<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tThe survey found that 19 percent of Saudi travelers prefer Turkiye as their favorite destination to visit, followed by Egypt at 15 percent, the UAE at 14 percent, and the US at 10 percent.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tAdditionally, 8 percent of respondents are heading to Switzerland, 7 percent to the UK, France, and Thailand, while 6 percent have chosen Italy as their summer destination.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cWhile Turkiye remains the top destination across all age groups, younger travelers show a stronger interest in long-haul and East Asian locations. For example, Japan appeals to 14 percent of 18\u201328-year-olds, compared to just 3 percent of those aged 29\u201344, and 0 percent among travelers aged 45\u201360,\u201d said the report.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tIn contrast, 14 percent of older travelers aged between 45 and 60 are planning a trip to the UK, a destination that sees less interest from younger respondents as a summer getaway.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tIn terms of spending, most international travelers are willing to invest significantly in their summer experiences.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tThe report also said 40 percent of Saudi travelers are planning to set aside more than SR10,000 ($2,666.39) per person on their trips, while 22 percent expect to spend between SR7,500 and SR10,000.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tSome 21 percent of the respondents are ready to spend between SR5,000 and SR7,500, while 15 percent are planning to budget between SR2,500 and SR5,000.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tThe report further said that 40 percent of respondents regularly use eSIM cards while traveling, with 21 percent having tried it before and 20 percent expressing interest despite limited familiarity.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cThe evolving travel preferences of Saudi residents reflect broader global shifts toward more connected, experience-driven tourism,\u201d said Akkaoui.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cWhether it is the desire for natural beauty, the pursuit of cultural depth, or the appeal of cooler summer climates, today\u2019s travelers from the Kingdom are more informed, digitally empowered, and adventurous than ever before,\u201d he added.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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