Friday, May 10, 2024
Wego’s 2024 study unveils Saudi Arabia and Egypt as top MENA travel spots. Discover why they dominate, shaping regional tourism for nearly a decade.
A new study by Wego, a prominent travel marketplace, reveals that Saudi Arabia and Egypt are the preferred travel spots in the Middle East for 2024. Data from the platform, which includes flight searches and bookings over the initial four months of the year, confirms their continued appeal, dominating the top two positions for nearly a decade.
Both countries have been favorites among travelers from the region since 2014, when Wego first started monitoring these trends.
Key Destinations in the Gulf and Broader Middle East
India remains a favorite, securing the third position primarily due to its appeal among Gulf residents for employment and business. Notably, Pakistan ascended two ranks to fourth, fueled by enhanced air connectivity and more competitive flight prices with Gulf nations.
In the larger Middle East area, the rankings are relatively stable with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE at the forefront. Pakistan moved past Kuwait and Turkey, rising to fourth. Additionally, both Qatar and Oman climbed two positions, ranking eighth and ninth respectively.
European Travel Preferences
In Europe, the United Kingdom continues its decade-long streak as the leading destination for Middle Eastern tourists. Italy made a significant leap to second place, its first time in the top three, following new direct flight routes and bilateral investments with Saudi Arabia announced in late 2023.
Conversely, some Eastern European countries like Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina have seen a dip in popularity, according to Wego’s 2024 insights. These nations had previously gained traction post-COVID-19 due to their proximity to the Middle East and lenient travel restrictions.
Asia Pacific Trends
In the Asia Pacific sector, the standings from the previous year remain largely intact. Vietnam advanced one spot, surpassing South Korea. Thailand and Indonesia keep their first and second positions respectively, with Thailand continuing to expand its lead.
The shift towards regional travel over distant destinations has persisted into 2024. Countries further from the Gulf, like Morocco, Indonesia, and the USA, saw the most significant drops in their rankings. Conversely, nearby countries such as Kuwait, Pakistan, and Jordan retained their newfound popularity, with Qatar entering the top ten for the first time this year, replacing Morocco.
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Friday, May 10, 2024
Friday, May 10, 2024
