JEDDAH, 30 December 2006 — It’s Eid vacation, and tour operators and airline personnel say they are working overtime as usual to meet the travel requirements of citizens and residents. But this year’s travel rush has been lower than last year due to the timing of Ramadan and Haj in relation to the school breaks.
“Thousands of Saudis are traveling to other parts of the Gulf and the Middle East to celebrate the Eid Al-Adha,” said Waseem Mohammad, operations manager at Zahid Travel Agencies in Jeddah. “Dubai, Cairo, Beirut and Amman are among the popular Middle Eastern destinations, while London and Paris remain among the European favorites, and Malaysia continues to be a big draw.”
However, he added, this year’s Eid holiday traffic is lower than last year because of the timing of school breaks.
“School examinations follow the Haj vacation,” said Mohammad. “Moreover, the families returned only in September from their summer vacation.”
Families may be looking forward to spring break in February when kids are out of school for 10 to 15 days, depending on the school.
“A sizable number of Pakistanis, Indians and Egyptians have taken the advantage of traveling home for the Eid,” a Kanoo Travel executive said. “Some of them have combined their annual vacation along with the Eid holiday.”
According to the latest regional travel data, Egypt has been attracting a large number of visitors for the Eid break this time, reinforcing its traditional position as the Eid-break destination of choice for Saudi travelers.
“The historical link between Egypt and Saudi Arabia is stronger than ever,” said Ahmed El-Khadem, chairman of the Egyptian Tourist Authority. “Through the many changes that have taken place within the region over the last half century, Egypt continues to be a home away from home for Saudis, a place to relax, enjoy and rejuvenate after the spiritual intensity of the month of Ramadan and as a refreshing getaway close to home for those not performing the Haj.”
Organizers of the Dubai Shopping Festival claim that the emirate remains one of the most favored destinations for Saudi families, especially due to the ongoing 45-day 11th and 12th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival, which continues through Feb. 2.
