Data tracking the most popular Saudi summer destinations shows a notable shift toward secondary coastal cities during summer 2026. According to figures released by online travel marketplace Wego, travellers departing from Saudi Arabia are expanding their itineraries beyond traditional major capitals, seeking coastal settings, nature, and cultural activities.
Vietnam’s Da Nang recorded the largest surge in round-trip flight searches, rising 117% compared to the same period last year. Palma de Mallorca in Spain followed with an 82% increase, while Tivat in Montenegro registered a 55% growth in interest. Furthermore, other emerging destinations across the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Asia recorded search increases exceeding 50% on the platform’s mobile app and website.
Shifts Across Saudi Summer Destinations
Search activity indicates growing interest in destinations such as Dalaman in southwestern Türkiye, Phu Quoc in Vietnam, Tivat in Montenegro, and Palma de Mallorca in Spain. These locations provide access to historic neighbourhoods, nature reserves, and regional cuisine without the density of traditional travel hubs. Consequently, overall tourism demand reflects a broader geographical spread across several continents.
Coastal and island spots gained measurable ground in overall search volume. Specifically, coastal destinations accounted for approximately 1 in 10 round-trip flight searches from Saudi Arabia this summer, rising from roughly 1 in 12 searches during the previous year. Destinations like Tivat and Palma de Mallorca pair coastal access with mountainous terrain, while Da Nang and Phu Quoc feature nearby heritage sites and national parks.
Extended Trip Lengths and Advance Booking Patterns
Planning behaviour has evolved alongside destination selection among Saudi holidaymakers. Travellers now book their flights more than 30 days in advance on average, allowing more time to organize multi-city itineraries. Meanwhile, the average trip length stands at approximately 10 days, supporting longer stays across multiple regions during a single vacation.
This extended duration enables travellers to connect through regional transport hubs and incorporate multiple stops into their trips. As direct routes and flight connections expand, holidaymakers gain simpler access to quieter coastal areas such as Dalaman, rather than confining stays to central resort strips.
Executive Perspectives on Regional Travel Trends
Travel industry executives note that holidaymakers from the Kingdom are actively seeking varied experiences across established and emerging markets, reflecting broader consumer shifts in the regional economy.
“Saudi travellers are becoming more adventurous in how they explore familiar destinations. Major cities remain an important part of the journey; however, we’re seeing greater interest in extending trips beyond the traditional gateways to discover different regions, landscapes, and local experiences.”
Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego
Hmidan stated that increased transport connectivity continues to broaden the variety of available itineraries, allowing travellers to experience different regions within a single holiday.
Outlook for Secondary Coastal Markets
The search patterns recorded by Wego show that the selection of Saudi summer destinations is increasingly driven by activity variety, ease of access, and local cultural offerings. While established global capitals maintain steady visitor numbers, secondary coastal cities are capturing a larger share of seasonal demand, establishing a more diverse summer holiday map for travellers across the Kingdom.
