30% of Saudi tourists prefer UK for long stay

JEDDAH — The tourism committee of the Saudi Council of Chambers is expecting Britain to be the top destination for Saudis planning prolonged periods of stay abroad this summer. "About 30 percent of the air bookings have so far been made to Britain," the committee's chairman Abdullatif Al-Afaliq told local daily Madinah. He said for short visits of two to 10 days, Dubai still remains the favorite destination for the Saudis. Afaliq said Saudis prefer to travel to Britain this summer because of the depreciation of the sterling, which will reflect positives on them when it comes to spending. "The drop in the exchange rate will help increase tourism to Britain from all over the world," he said, adding that Britain will be the favorite spot for Saudis wishing to stay for long periods ranging from 15 days to a month or more. The chairman expected Dubai to have the lion's share in short trips, which extend from two days to a week. He said Dubai is specially luring Saudis who are fond of attending festivals, celebrations and conferences. "Dubai is particularly attractive to Saudi tourists because of its proximity, easy access and passport procedures similar to those in the Kingdom," he added. Afaliq said Egypt comes third followed by Malaysia and Indonesia. The chairman does not believe that the recent incidents in the region will boost domestic tourism. "Tourists who favor foreign spots usually look for programs and entertainments that are not available here," he added. Basmah Humaidi, director of a travel and a tourist agency, expected the bookings to soar with time and said the reservations to Dubai range from 50 to 70 percent primarily because of safety, easy access and entertainment programs. She said reservations to Egypt constitute about 15 percent of the total bookings and is growing. She said the same Saudi tourists go to Dubai and East Asian destinations several times in the year.