According to data from Wego, a leading online travel marketplace, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are the top international travel destinations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Egypt has consistently held the top spot for the past six months and has been the annual leader since 2014. The biggest climbers among the top 20 MENA destinations are Oman, which jumped four spots to 12th place, and Sudan, which climbed five spots to 20th place.
In Europe, the United Kingdom has been the top destination for eight months in a row. Italy made the biggest climb in the rankings, rising from 8th place to 3rd place. The data from Wego is based on search and booking trends from millions of travellers worldwide.
The report highlights the continued popularity of Egypt, which is home to iconic attractions such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and Luxor’s ancient temples. Saudi Arabia has also seen a surge in tourism in recent years, particularly since the kingdom opened up to international visitors in 2019.
Oman’s climb in the rankings is likely due to its growing reputation as a luxury travel destination, with pristine beaches, rugged mountain landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. Sudan’s rise in popularity may be linked to the country’s improving security situation and the opening up of tourist attractions such as ancient pyramids and the Red Sea coastline.
The UK’s continued popularity among travellers is likely due to its wealth of historical and cultural attractions, as well as its thriving cities, picturesque countryside, and world-renowned museums and galleries. Italy’s rise in the rankings may be due to increased interest in destinations such as Venice, Tuscany, and the Amalfi Coast, as well as the country’s renowned food and wine.
The report from Wego highlights the importance of understanding shifting travel trends, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world gradually opens up to international travel, destinations that have managed the pandemic well and offer unique experiences and attractions are likely to be in high demand.
Overall, the data from Wego confirms that the MENA region remains a key player in the global tourism industry, with Egypt and Saudi Arabia leading the way in terms of international visitors. However, the rising popularity of destinations such as Oman and Sudan highlights the region’s growing diversity and the potential for other countries to emerge as major travel destinations in the coming years.