Saudi Arabia: a direct booking guide for hotels in a fast-growing market
122 million visits in 2025 and a target of 150 million. How Saudi hotels — from Makkah to Riyadh — can win more bookings on their own website.
Saudi Arabia reported about 122 million visits in 2025, up 5% on the year, with tourism spending close to SAR 300 billion. The Vision 2030 target is 150 million visits a year. New hotels are opening in Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla and on the Red Sea coast — and all of them appear on the same OTAs. The direct channel is where a hotel can stand apart.
Arabic first
Most guests are Arabic speakers. A booking engine that is Arabic-first, right-to-left and clear on every step converts better than a translated afterthought.
Show VAT and fees from the start
VAT is 15%, and a municipality fee applies to hotel rooms. Guests compare totals — show both in the first price.
Book families and groups properly
- Families book several rooms together — use multi-room booking.
- Pilgrim groups travel around dates set by the Islamic calendar — let organisers request a quote through group booking.
- Business travellers in Riyadh and Jeddah need corporate codes and invoices.
Local payments
Saudi guests commonly pay with mada debit cards and Apple Pay, and like buy-now-pay-later. goDirects offers Tap, PayTabs and Tamara for hotels in Saudi Arabia.
Seasons that matter
Ramadan and Hajj drive Makkah and Madinah. Riyadh Season and city events drive the cooler months. Plan rates and restrictions around both.
See hotels in Saudi Arabia or book a demo.
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