Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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October 2024
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is in the top 5 countries from where the most tourists arrive in Azerbaijan. The latest statistics show that the number of tourist arrivals from the KSA to Azerbaijan has grown. The KSA is one of the target markets for the tourism sector in Azerbaijan whose importance is currently growing, as witnessed by the rise in the number of guests, overnight stays and expenditures.
Among the main reasons for the increasing number of arrivals from the KSA are the climate, similar culture, being Muslim-friendly, the traditions and hospitality of Azerbaijan, and of course the frequency of direct flights. Another reason for the sharp increase has been the simplified visa regime for KSA citizens. The highest rate of KSA tourists is during June and July. KSA travellers can directly fly from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam.
The average Saudi traveller to Azerbaijan generally falls within the age range of 30 to 45 years. They often travel as families, with many being married with children, making family-oriented vacations highly popular. Younger Saudis in their late 20s and early 30s may travel with friends or as couples before settling into family life. Given the typically large household size of Saudi families, with four or more members, there is a strong preference for spacious accommodations and family-friendly destinations. Their travel preferences share similarities with their neighbours in the Middle East but also reflect unique preferences and cultural influences.
The average spending of a Saudi tourist abroad is relatively high compared to other travellers. Saudi tourists are known for their significant expenditure on shopping, luxury goods, accommodation, dining, and entertainment. On average, a Saudi tourist spends between $5,000 to $10,000 per trip. This amount can vary depending on the destination, duration of stay, and the nature of the trip, such as family vacations or luxury travel experiences.
According to the 2023 statistics, on average, Saudi Arabians spend at least 3 hours and 1 minute a day on different social media platforms. It is a great opportunity to easily connect and engage with their target audience through these channels, more than any other method.
Last minute booking is very popular among travellers in the GCC, with more than two in five customers purchasing their flight tickets less than a week prior to departure. In Saudi Arabia, the zero-day rush is more pronounced, with 65% of online reservations taking place within two weeks of the travel date.
The average duration of travel is between 10 and 13 days. Short-stay travel is on average 3-4 nights. Those who travel with family (kids and maids) usually stay longer and choose to explore nature and the city.
Updated information about flight connectivity can be found on the interactive board of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
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2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
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33.273 |
72.935 |
106.994 |
11.945 |
8.826 |
96.231 |
80.677 |
From 2021 to 2023, the numbers started to recover post-pandemic, with arrivals increasing by approximately 990.4% in 2022 and then decreasing by 16.15% in 2023 compared to 2022, indicating a strong recovery trend despite the slight decline in 2023.
Source: State Migration Service
In 2023, 45,759 tourists from the UAE visited Azerbaijan. The majority of these visitors travelled for leisure purposes, attracted by Azerbaijan's cultural experiences, scenic landscapes, and favourable travel conditions such as direct flights and easy visa procedures.
The average KSA tourist spends 2.280 AZN in Azerbaijan, with 41% of their budget allocated to transport, and followed by accommodation (22%) and food (22%).
In 2023, 41% of KSA travellers stayed in Azerbaijan for 4-7 nights, while 26% stayed for more than 22 nights.
The most visited regions by KSA traveller in Azerbaijan are Baku, Gabala, Gusar, Guba and Sheki.
KSA travellers values nature, hospitality, cuisine of Azerbaijan as well as they highly values Azerbaijan for being suitable for halal and family-friendly travel, with a focus on accommodating the cultural and religious needs of KSA tourists.
Products of Azerbaijan that connect to the KSA market can be grouped into “Fits all” – products that all first-time visitors should see or experience, “Add-ons” – products that can be seen or experienced with longer or repeat visits, and “Tailored” – products that are considered of specific relevance to the market.
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Fits all |
Add-ons |
Tailored |
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Mountains & valleys |
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National parks & nature areas |
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Theme parks & entertainment centres |
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Shopping |
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Gastronomy |
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Festivals & events |
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Sports
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Saudi Arabia Outbound Tourism Industry is expected to expand at a CAGR of 15.28% from 2021 to 2027.While domestic and intra-Saudi Arabian travel is becoming more popular, Saudi Arabians traveling long-haul to South Africa, India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. According to research, the United Arab Emirates is the top source market for outbound tourism in Saudi Arabia, followed by Switzerland and Turkey. Furthermore, many Saudi travellers are willing to travel to new areas outside the Middle East, creating significant commercial prospects.
Leyla Isayeva, Regional Manager for Middle East