Tourism revenues from the 10-day school spring break, from resorts and hotels in Makkah, Jeddah and Taif, is expected to be a tota of SR130 million, a 60 percent increase compared to last year, a local operator said.

The school vacation started on March 19 and ends on Sunday.

Makkah reportedly had a 90 percent hotel occupancy rate, with 80 percent of its apartments were booked out.

Khalil Bahadur, a member of the national committee for tourism and hotels, said there were a record number of reservations in Makkah and other tourist destinations, particularly close to the Grand Mosque.

He said various factors contributed to the good business, including the pleasant weather, and the decision by many Saudis and expatriates to stay in the country for their holidays.

He said the demand for cabins, chalets and resorts on the region’s beaches was 60 percent higher than the same period last year.

A popular attraction at resorts this year was a system where families could pay SR100 and use facilities for part of the day, with a free lunch.

He said many tourist operators did not raise their prices by more than 10 percent despite the huge demand. Occupancy peaked on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with a considerable number of visitors coming from outside Jeddah.

Bahadur, who is an investor in tourist resorts, villages and hotels in Makkah, Jeddah and Taif, said that non-Muslims should be allowed to travel to the country’s holiday destinations for longer periods, and not only during vacations which are for 60 days a year.