Visa Destinations connects Saudi travelers to the world's leading destinations as new insights highlight evolving travel preferences
- 45% of Saudi travelers say experiences were a key motivation behind their most recent international trip, reflecting growing demand for experience-led travel
- Food, entertainment and shopping play a central role in outbound travel, with 51% visiting premium dining restaurants, 48% visiting theme parks and 45% exploring local food experiences while abroad
- 52% of Saudi travelers use AI tools to find travel ideas, highlighting the growing role of technology in travel inspiration and trip planning
KSA, Riyadh, August 18, 2026 — Visa is highlighting the continued growth of Visa Destinations, its global travel inspiration platform that helps travelers discover unique experiences across some of the world's most vibrant destinations, including Dubai, London, Paris, Singapore, Tokyo, New York and Sydney.
The announcement comes as Saudi travelers increasingly seek experience-led journeys and use digital tools to shape how they discover, plan and experience destinations abroad. According to Visa's latest Global Travel Intentions Study, 45% of Saudi travelers say experiential travel was a key motivation behind their most recent international trip. Food, entertainment and shopping also play a central role in outbound travel, with 51% visiting premium dining restaurants, 48% visiting theme parks and 45% exploring street food, local cuisine and cafés while abroad. At the same time, 52% of travelers use AI tools to find travel ideas, highlighting how technology is increasingly influencing travel inspiration, planning and decision-making.
Designed to inspire and inform every stage of the travel journey, Visa Destinations brings together curated travel recommendations, local insights and destination guides that reflect the evolving ways people explore the world. From cultural landmarks and culinary discoveries to entertainment, shopping and wellness experiences, the platform showcases destinations that align with today's traveler priorities.
As Saudi travelers continue to explore the world, destinations that combine memorable experiences with digital convenience are increasingly attracting attention. From world-renowned entertainment and cultural attractions in cities such as London, Paris and Tokyo to family-oriented experiences in destinations across the Visa Destinations platform, travelers are seeking seamless ways to discover, plan and enjoy their journeys. As travel behaviors evolve, destinations that combine diverse experiences, trusted payments and digital innovation are well positioned to attract visitor spending and engagement.
Aleksander Kuzmichev, Head of Cross-Border Solutions, Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA), Visa, said: "Saudi travelers are increasingly seeking journeys shaped by unique experiences, whether that is discovering local cuisine, attending major events, exploring cultural attractions or creating memorable moments with family and friends. Through Visa Destinations, we are helping travelers discover the experiences that make destinations unique while connecting them to trusted and seamless payment experiences throughout their journey. At the same time, the platform creates meaningful opportunities for our issuer, merchant and destination partners to engage travelers at every stage of travel planning and discovery."
Visa Destinations forms part of Visa's broader commitment to supporting the travel ecosystem through data-driven insights, seamless payment experiences and initiatives that help connect travelers with destinations worldwide. As outbound travel from Saudi Arabia continues to evolve, Visa remains focused on helping travelers discover, plan and enjoy their journeys with confidence.
About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.