Europe and Southeast Asia will be favorite locations for many Saudi tourists, instead of Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Morocco due to political instability there.
According to travel agencies, 20 percent of Saudi tourists would prefer to spend the summer vacation in Europe, especially in Spain, France and England, while 30 percent of them would likely travel to Turkey.
“It is expected this summer that Europe will witness an increase in the number of Saudi tourists up to 20 percent, while the number of Saudi tourists to Arab countries will witness a sharp fall due to the current restlessness there,” Muhammad Salmeen, tourism manager at Elaph Agency for Travel and Tourism, told Arab News. “Malaysia and Singapore will also be attractive options for many Saudis tourists,” he added.
Nasser Al Tayar, chairman of Al Tayar for Travel and Tourism Agency, revealed that last year 5 million Saudis traveled outside the country for summer vacations.
This summer, however, they expect only 3 million tourists will travel abroad. There are several reasons for this decline, including the fact that the month of Ramadan falls in August this year.
“Last summer, Egypt received more than 500,000 Saudis for summer vacation, but there will be a 60 percent drop in Saudi tourists this year due to fears of political turmoil in Egypt,” Al Tayar told Arab News.
Sultan Abdullah, who works as marketing executive in a private company, was planning to spend his summer vacation in Egypt, but after the latest chaos he is not sure whether to travel there.
“I am still hesitating. I love Egypt and I used to go there every year, but the latest disturbances changed my mind. I am looking for another place to spend my summer vacation. London is an option as I have some friends there.”
Muhmmad Saeed, who works in a public relation company, decided to travel to Malaysia this year. “Many people travel to Egypt every year, but given the latest developments in that country, I think it is a good chance to travel to a new country.”
