Cultural and social influences on Saudi family travel decisions: A systematic-quantitative synthesis for enhancing domestic tourism competitiveness in the face of international tourism

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Published: May 23, 2025
DOI: https://royaliiteglobal.com/topic?id=299
Keywords:
cultural influences, domestic tourism competitiveness, family travel decisions, social influences, Vision 2030

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Abdelrahman A. A. Abdelghani
Applied College, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
Sameh Fayyad
Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt and , Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, October 6 University, Giza 12573, Egypt
Bassam Samir Al-Romeedy
Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, University of Sadat City, Egypt
Hebatallah A. M. Ahmed
Applied College, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This research analyzes the cultural and sociological elements affecting Saudi family travel choices (FTD) and their implications for domestic tourist competitiveness (DTC) amid global competition. Employing a mixed-methods approach—combining a systematic literature review (SLR) with partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) on data from 469 Saudi respondents—the research reveals that cultural influences (? = 0.452) and social influences (? = 0.338) significantly drive FTD, which in turn enhances DTC (? = 0.427). Direct impacts of cultural (? = 0.208) and social elements (? = 0.213) on DTC were also significant, whereas foreign tourism allure adversely moderates the FTD-DTC link (? = -0.106). The research correlates with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 8 (economic development), SDG 11 (sustainable communities), SDG 12 (responsible consumerism), and SDG 5 (women equality). Practical options include using Halal tourism, AI-driven marketing, and gender-inclusive regulations to boost local competitiveness while protecting cultural identity.