Socio-cultural drivers of Saudi tourists’ outbound destination decisions

Abstract

This study examines key socio-cultural factors that influence Saudi tourists’ decisions to travel abroad. The paper utilises qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with males and females, whose views remain under-researched. It explores how Saudi Arabia's deeply embedded religious and tribal value systems and structures shape tourists’ destination choices and travel behaviours. The findings show that social norms and cultures of surveillance, alongside social obligations, act as push factors, decreasing the appeal of domestic tourism. Moreover, data suggest that seeking personal space and freedom, and the ability to engage in norm-breaking practices, are pull factors that make international destinations, especially those with fewer co-nationals, appealing. Practically, the study helps to identify marketing strategies that domestic and international destinations can adopt to target and accommodate Saudi tourists more effectively. Theoretically, the findings help to conceptualise a middle ground between what we call ‘extensionist’ and ‘rejectionist’ views of cultural influence and to appreciate the cumulative, intersecting impacts of socio-cultural imperatives.

The influence of tourism event constraints and hospitableness on tourists with disabilities satisfaction and revisit intention in Saudi Arabia

“…Despite its contradiction with previous research on TwD studies, the result is in line with previous research on the Saudi society. Research suggests that the strong connectivity and religiosity of the Saudi society influence individuals' behaviour towards others (Madkhali et al, 2023). According to Al-Aoufi et al, (2012) Islamic societies consider supporting disadvantaged people including TwD as a moral and religious duty.…”