JEDDAH: Travel agents in the Kingdom are reporting increased demand for hotels and resorts abroad as a result of a large number of Saudis and expatriates preferring to spend Eid Al-Adha holidays outside the country.

“The demand for tickets and hotels overseas is increasing daily, especially as the Eid Al-Adha holidays draw near. Most bookings at our offices are for the same tourist-friendly countries that are popular during the summer,” said Dakhil Al-Ali at Al-Tayyar Travel Agency.

However, cool weather and a change of scenery are not just the reasons why Saudis are heading abroad. Prices are a major consideration. Despite the heavy promotion of Saudi tourist attractions, most residents find local destinations cost more than going abroad. Travel agencies are offering deals to countries such as Egypt where a six-night holiday with board and flights can cost SR2,000, which is less than a hotel room for six days in Jeddah or Abha.

“Even without the added costs of airline tickets, hotels rooms in Dubai and Egypt, particularly in Sharm El-Sheikh, are comparatively cheaper than in Saudi tourist cities such as Abha or Taif,” said one industry expert.

“I think it’s cheaper to stay in a five-star hotel abroad than a similar hotel here. I am planning to take my family with me to spend the Eid Al-Adha vacation in Cairo this year. I would have paid twice as much if I went to Abha or Taif,” said businessman Muhammad Hasan, a father of four from Jeddah.

“Many people have already booked flights abroad for this year’s holiday. Some will be leaving on Nov. 22 and others on Nov. 23. Cairo is on the top of the list with Dubai next. We also have similar competitive packages to other East Asian countries such as India and Malaysia as well as to Europe,” said a Jeddah travel agent.

Because the Eid vacation is comparatively short, travel agents are in strong competition. Al-Tayyar Travel Agency, for example, is offering at least 19 destinations.

Some agents, however, were wary of giving figures fearing competition. But most agencies, like Al-Tayyar, Kano and Al-Attar, have confirmed fully booked flights and hotels abroad.

“Most travelers favor delaying their trips to around Haj time to take advantage of the colder weather in most tourist countries in East Asia or North Africa or in Europe,” said Muhammad Nuri, an employee at a Jeddah-based travel agency.

Small families and young couples seem to dominate the demand for these packaged holiday deals. “Clients and potential travelers come to our offices looking for a change or something different for their Haj holiday, and it’s not just Saudi citizens, we receive expatriates as well. They want to take advantage of the Haj and Eid Al-Adha vacation, which lasts for more than one week. We try to promote domestic destinations such Khamis Mushayit and Tabuk but people want to go elsewhere,” added Nuri.