RIYADH: Despite the recent bombings and racist activities in some countries, Saudis insist on traveling abroad with their families for the summer vacation this year.

Given the length of the school holidays, which extends about three months, travel and tourism agencies have offered opportunities to promote tourism programs in several countries, including Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Demand on traveling to Indonesia significantly increased as a result of the remarkably appropriate prices for a large segment of Saudi families.

According to Mutem Al-Tribani, a senior official at the Office of Tourism in Hail, the recent explosions in Turkey did not prevent Saudi tourists from traveling there during the Eid holidays, noting that the majority of these tourists are traveling to Istanbul for only one day, due to the recent terror events there.

“There is now growing demand for travel to Georgia, Malaysia and Indonesia,” he said.

He said the proportion of Saudi students studying in the US, Canada and New Zealand dropped significantly compared to previous years.

According to an expert, the tourism companies in Riyadh are developing special programs and are offering great discounts on airline tickets with accommodations, and tours for a week, to attract the largest number of tourists.

“The majority of Saudi families want to travel to East Asian countries for enjoyment and because of the affordable prices,” he said.