Local

Electronic applications account for 78% of travel bookings

Hassan Al-Nashri - Jeddah

Date of publication: July 6, 2026 01:07 KSA

Challenges with prices and fake bookings

Electronic applications have captured 78% of domestic and international travel bookings, after the role of most travel and tourism offices shifted from merely issuing tickets to managing integrated trips, with a notable growth in travel demand over the past two years.

This comes despite strong competition, price fluctuations, and the spread of fake offices and offers. The sector recorded 3,846 licensed offices, which executed more than 22 million flight bookings and 15 million hotel room nights last year, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism. The share of electronic bookings reached 78%, compared to 22% in-person.

Specialists and workers in the sector revealed that small traditional travel and tourism offices are shifting to electronic services and reducing their branches due to administrative costs, rents, employee salaries, and utility bills, confirming that the full transition to electronic services is the safe option for them. With increasing booking options, Saudi travelers are divided between those who prefer direct electronic booking via applications and those who insist on booking through licensed traditional offices. Decline in demand for Europe: Adnan Al-Abbas, General Manager of a tourism company, said: For the first time in years, travel and tourism offices in Saudi Arabia are witnessing a noticeable decline in demand for traditional European destinations during the summer season, compared to a jump in bookings towards Asian, Eastern Mediterranean, and Caucasus countries, pointing out that the main reason is the extreme heat waves hitting Europe. Regarding travelers' booking methods, he said: It is true that the most demanded are electronic websites, but their disadvantage is the difficulty of changing flights or bookings and even follow-up during travel. Traditional offices, on the other hand, have the authority to modify the trip, accommodation, and follow-up, making them preferred by many travelers.

Saving time: Ali Al-Sayed, a tourist guide and head of a booking office, explained that 'the competitive advantage of electronic bookings is saving time and effort for the traveler. From his phone at home, he can compare prices of many offices. As for traditional in-person bookings from travel and tourism offices, he said: They are distinguished by designing packages according to the client's budget, providing visas and insurance, following up with the client during travel, in addition to 24/7 crisis management, unlike electronic bookings where the role ends after completing the booking and payment. Regarding the challenges facing offices, he said the most prominent are competition with global platforms, price fluctuations during seasons, and the spread of fake accounts. The Ministry of Tourism warned against booking except through offices with a published license number and urged travelers to verify the electronic invoice and avoid transferring to personal accounts.'

Fahd Al-Otaibi believes that booking from traditional offices is his preferred method, as fraud and deception operations have recently spread by fake offices run from abroad, and with the first money transfer, the office and money disappear together.

Travel in the Kingdom: Electronic applications account for 78%. 3,846 licensed offices. 22 million flight bookings. 15 million hotel room nights last year. They prefer in-person booking.