Local tourism experts predict that the political uprisings in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and other Arab countries has had an impact on Saudis’ vacation choices.
Europe and south-east Asia remain the destination of choice for many Saudi tourists in light of developments in the Middle East.
According to local travel agencies, 20 percent of Saudi tourists prefer to spend the summer vacation in the Kingdom, as the month of Ramadan will begin tentatively Jul. 9, coinciding with the beginning of the school holidays. On the other hand, 30 percent of the Saudis who intend to travel this summer have chosen to visit Turkey.
“This summer, we anticipate that Europe will witness a 20-percent increase in the number of Saudi tourists, while Arab countries will witness a sharp decline,” Mohammad Abdul Aziz, a manager at the Gulf for Travel and Tourism Agency, told Arab News.
“Malaysia and Singapore will also be attractive destinations for many Saudi tourists. Meanwhile, Turkey is expected to receive more than 30 percent of Saudi holidaymakers this year,” he added.
Nasser Al-Tayar, chairman of Al-Tayar for Travel and Tourism, affirmed that 5 million Saudis traveled outside the Kingdom during the summers of 2011 and 2012.
“Since Ramadan happens to fall during the beginning of the summer season this year, almost 3 million Saudis will opt to remain in the Kingdom,” said Abdul Khaleq Radwan, an employee at a local travel agency.
“During the summer of 2010, Egypt alone received more then 500,000 Saudis. This season is different, as initial surveys indicate a 60-percent drop in Saudi tourists traveling to Egypt due to fears about the political situation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sultan Abdullah, a marketing executive at a private company, said he had planned to spend his summer vacation in Egypt, but after the latest violence the country witnessed, he is no longer sure.
“I am hesitant; I love Egypt and used to frequently visit, but the recent events have left me wary. I am currently searching for alternative vacation spots. London is an option, as I have many friends living there,” he added.
Alternatively, Mohammad Saeed views the present state of affairs in some Middle Eastern countries as a chance to travel somewhere new.
“I think this is a good chance to explore new countries. We have been accustomed to traveling to Egypt every summer. This year, I will opt perhaps for Malaysia instead.”
Credits
Writer: IBRAHIM NAFFEE
Source: www.arabnews.com
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