According to the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, the 1 st quarter of 2010 has seen a signicant 23% rise in the number of Saudi visitors to Abu Dhabi compared with this same time last year. In expectation of a rise in family tourism during the summer months, Abu Dhabi is gearing up with various promotions, attractions, summer event and festivals.

"We have chalked out an elaborate summer program for our visitors from Saudi Arabia and other parts of the GCC," ADTA's Domestic Promotion Section Head Ati Al-Dhaheri told a press conference at the Westin Jeddah on Saturday. Majed Saud Kaki, assistant general manager of Elaf Group of Companies in Saudi Arabia, stated in Menafn that, while traditionally the most popular destinations for outbound Saudi nationals had included London and the US, in recent years there has been a surge in interest in nearby destinations such as Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, Oman, Syria and the UAE---cheaper holiday spots and ideal for short-haul vacations.

Among Asian destinations, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore also emerge at the top for outbound Saudi tourists. “The signicant reduction in travel costs has further boosted outbound travel in the Kingdom as an increasing number of residents are now exploring new destinations to visit.” said Mr. Kaki. Mr. Atiq of Ace Travel Al Khobar points out that outbound travel to destinations like Dubai has increased significantly post 9/11, with the stricter immigration and visa rules being big dampeners. Interestingly there has been a big boost in domestic & regional travel among the mid-income groups, who cite reasons of ample discounts & travel promotions born of the recession as big motivators, making short-haul vacations to neighboring countries an affordable reality for them.

Low-cost airlines take the Saudi Domestic and Regional Travel industry to new heights

Cheap fares on domestic routes offered by low-cost airlines are a major contributing factor to the currently flourishing domestic travel market in Saudi. Travel Agents dealing with the region note that a growing number of Saudis are becoming sensitized to prices and are seeking to compare costs before choosing their products.

As a result, these cost-conscious Saudis are likely to choose low cost carriers such as Nas Air and Sama for their travels. Underscoring this trend is the fact that both airlines have been operating to full capacity since their launch in 2007.

Our male homemakers cited this as a very important reason for increasing domestic travel, terming low cost airlines a boom for their travelling habits. Some even believe that the ability to undertake frequent short trips together as a family has contributed to an increase in family bonding due to the destressing effect of vacations on all family members.

In contrast, a small segment of female homemakers termed the low-cost airlines as a ‘spoke-in-the-wheel’ as far as their international travel options were concerned, as they felt husbands tend to opt for domestic or regional travel versus other international destinations due to the cot benet of such airlines.