Emirates Holidays details attractions for Saudi tourists

Visits by Saudis to the United States have more than doubled last year, according to Dina N.A. Al-Herais, vice president — commercial operations, Emirates Holidays.
“In fact, the United States has become the most favored tourist destination besides Australia,” she said while announcing several holiday offers here yesterday. She hoped that these offers will attract more Saudis to these and various other destinations.
“From immersing yourself in the amazing world of Harry Potter, to soaking in the rich history and culture of Vietnam, or enjoying magical moments at a Disney park, to having the adventure of a lifetime on a South African safari, these holidays will bring fun, adventure and memories to last a lifetime,” Al-Herais added.
Through the new strategy of Emirates Holidays, consumers will see specialized products communicated to them with most offers at most competitive rates, she said.
“Saudi Arabia is the first market for us after the UAE,” Al-Herais said. “The UAE is really not a big market but it is a hub. We sell out of the UAE Eastbound, Westbound, North and South. Plus the population mix in the UAE helps us sell multiple types of products. But next after that comes Saudi Arabia,” she added.
“Because we never ventured huge markets in the past, we continued to operate from the Middle East, from Africa, from the Indian subcontinent and East Europe. Probably very soon, as much as we will be looking at growing the Saudi market, there will be other international markets that will be selling — we’re looking at the UK, the United States and Australia,” Al-Herais said.
She said Emirates Holidays is also expanding its horizon. “We buy a million hotel beds in a year. We are the biggest hotel beds buyer in Dubai.”
About the Harry Potter Tour, she said one can experience stunning Scottish scenery featured in the Harry Potter movies. The lochs and mountains of Glen Coe and Glen Nevis formed the backdrop for some of the most dramatic scenes in the films. Included is a trip on the Jacobite Steam Train, better known as the Hogwarts Express, which climbs up through the valleys, to the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Al-Herais said Vietnam — with its friendly, lively people — is a great family destination. It offers something for every member of the family — history, culture, fun activities and entertainment.
About South African adventures, she says: “Begin your holiday with a one-night stay at Johannesburg followed by a trip to Sun City, better known as South Africa's playground for entertainment and family fun. Children will love the "kiddie" gaming zone and The Valley of the Waves — one of the most advanced water parks in the world. The Family Safari experience incorporates various activities for children such as a tracker course, birding, face painting to camouflage in the bush, hair braiding, learning about nocturnal animals, joining traditional song and dance activities.
She also highlighted the magic of Disney by suggesting a magical holiday to Disneyland Paris.