Why 80% of Saudi travelers are turning to AI to plan their next trip

Saudi travelers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence, comparison tools and flexible booking options to plan their trips, according to Skyscanner’s 2026 travel research.

Around 80% of travelers in Saudi Arabia said they were confident using AI to help plan and book travel, placing the Kingdom among the markets most receptive to the technology. India ranked first at 86%, followed by Brazil and the UAE at 81%. Globally, 54% of travelers expressed confidence in using AI for travel planning and booking.

The findings point to a growing willingness among Saudi travelers to use AI alongside traditional travel search and booking tools, while maintaining flexibility around when and how they travel.

Globally, 38% of travelers said they would use AI to research destinations, 33% to create itineraries, and 32% to compare flights and hotels. Another 32% said they would use it for destination inspiration.

Skyscanner’s separate Saudi summer research found that 44% of travelers were still actively planning their holidays, while 37% said their plans remained flexible. Only 2% said they were not planning to travel during the summer.

Around 42% had already booked their summer vacations, suggesting that a significant share of travelers were keeping plans open closer to departure.

That flexibility also extends to flight choices. Saudi travelers showed greater willingness to consider connecting flights, with Skyscanner reporting increased use of its Layover Filter, which allows users to compare flights based on connection points and stops.

Abu Dhabi overtook Dubai as the most frequently selected regional layover airport through the feature from April, with demand peaking around the period before Eid Al Adha.

The trend suggests that travelers are weighing factors beyond nonstop routes, including price, timing and the convenience of different connections.

Skyscanner also found that planning group holidays remains a challenge for Saudi travelers. Around 46% of respondents said organizing a group vacation was more stressful than moving house, while 35% identified agreeing on a budget as one of the biggest difficulties.

Family travel remains a significant part of the market, with 38% of Saudi travelers expecting to travel with family, including on multigenerational trips.

Saudi travelers are also showing interest in less conventional travel experiences. Skyscanner found that 93% were interested in visiting places that felt new or different from destinations that commonly appeared in their social media feeds or personal networks.

The research found that 38% planned to stay in accommodation that was itself part of the destination experience. Other interests included hiking, exploring local supermarkets and grocery stores, and shopping for locally produced skincare and beauty products.

Hotels can also play a role in determining where travelers go. Skyscanner found that 68% of Saudi respondents had chosen a destination based on a particular hotel or resort they wanted to experience.

Ultimately, Skyscanner’s findings show Saudi travelers are increasingly using digital tools to compare options while placing greater emphasis on flexibility, personalization and distinctive experiences.