The post From Grocery Aisles to AI Itineraries: Hilton’s 2026 Report Reveals How UAE and Saudi Tourists Are Turning Trips into Journeys of Meaning appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.
Travellers from the UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading a global shift in how people plan their getaways, according to Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report “The Whycation: Travel’s New Starting Point.” The study, based on more than 14,000 travellers across 14 countries, finds that trips are now being shaped by emotional motivations — the why rather than the where.
For Gulf residents, travel is becoming a reflection of identity. Rest, reconnection and authentic experiences have overtaken sightseeing and shopping as the new travel currency. “UAE and KSA residents are reinventing how they explore the world, placing greater emphasis on connection, authenticity and deeper meaning,” said Guy Hutchinson, President, Hilton Middle East and Africa. “They’re choosing journeys that speak to who they are, not just where they go.”
Immersion Over Observation
Cultural connection is central to this new way of travelling. Hilton’s data shows 66 per cent of UAE travellers and 65 per cent of Saudis make an effort to learn a local language before a trip — the highest rate globally. Meanwhile 73 per cent of UAE residents and 69 per cent of Saudi travellers take part in local customs they haven’t researched beforehand, favouring spontaneous immersion over passive observation. Travellers from the Gulf are no longer content with observing from afar; they want to participate — learning traditional crafts, joining village markets and engaging with local life.
Grocery-Store Tourism: The New Souvenir Stop
One of the more unexpected findings is the rise of “grocery-store tourism.” For 81 per cent of UAE travellers and 78 per cent of Saudis, exploring local supermarkets has become a travel ritual.
Beyond novelty, this behaviour shows a desire to understand everyday life abroad — discovering local ingredients, seeing community routines and finding comfort in the ordinary. In a world chasing bucket lists, Gulf travellers are finding meaning in the mundane.
AI-Assisted Planning Fuels Effortless Escapes
Convenience remains key, but it’s being redefined through AI-powered planning. Three in four travellers from both the UAE and Saudi Arabia use AI tools to build personalised itineraries, pairing digital precision with human expertise. This trend signals a move toward smarter, stress-free escapes, with travellers opting for all-inclusive resorts and curated experiences that allow more time for enjoyment and less for logistics.
Social Media and Loyalty Drive Decisions
Social media now shapes journeys in real time. In the UAE, one in three travellers rely on Instagram or TikTok to plan activities while abroad, choosing experiences that trend in the moment.
Loyalty is just as strong: 79 per cent of UAE respondents commit to a single loyalty programme per category — from hotels to airlines — reflecting trust in brands that offer personalised rewards and consistent service. Hilton’s report shows the future of travel will be defined by emotion, authenticity and ease. Gulf travellers are turning holidays into opportunities for connection — with others, with cultures and with themselves. “With more than 8,800 hotels worldwide, Hilton is focused on delivering the comfort and trusted service travellers expect, alongside experiences that reflect how they truly want to spend their time,” Hutchinson said.
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Source: traveldailymedia