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Poor exchange rates hinder Saudi travellers
Saudis are expected to shell out 40 per cent more for foreign travel this year due to the fall in the exchange rate of the Saudi riyal, according to travel operators in the Kingdom.
- By Mariam Al Hakeem, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 June 17, 2007
Riyadh: Saudis are expected to shell out 40 per cent more for foreign travel this year due to the fall in the exchange rate of the Saudi riyal, according to travel operators in the Kingdom.
An estimated 4.5 million Saudis are expected to go abroad this year.
Travel agents said that in addition to the weak exchange rates, the growing difficulties that Saudis face in getting tourist visas to some European Union countries will result in fewer tourists going there.
Muhaideb Al Muhaideb, chairman of the travel agents committee at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and general manger of Al Sarh Travel and Tourism Company, said getting European visas has become extremely difficult for people from this country.
"Switzerland is the top destination for Saudi families going to Europe due to its stable security, followed by Britain, France, Italy and Germany," Al Muhaideb said.
In Asia, Thailand and Malaysia are fast becoming favourite destinations for Saudis who do not want to go to Europe.
"The number of Saudi families going to Malaysia this year has jumped by 10 per cent compared to last year because of the good reputation Malaysia has as a tourist destination, the quality of services available there and the reasonable prices for hotel rooms and air tickets," Al Muhaideb said.
In the Arab world, Egypt is the top destination for Saudis.
Expensive rooms
High room rates in Dubai and the political unstability and deteriorating security situation in Lebanon are deterring Saudis from going there.
According to industry sources, there has been an increase in the number of Saudis going to Syria, Jordan and Tunisia.
While the number of travellers headed to the United States, Canada, Australia and South Africa has increased by 10 per cent compared to the previous year, Malaysia and Egypt topped as family destinations in Asia and Middle East, respectively, according to Nasser Al Tayyar, general manager of Al Tayyar Travel and Tourism Agency.
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