50% of Saudi tourists in Europe

The decline of the euro and the British pound has seen an increase in the number of Saudi tourists heading to Europe, according to experts, Al-Hayat reported.
Nearly 50 percent of tourists preferred Europe as a destination this year.
Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce National Committee for Travel and Tourism Head Nasir Al-Tayyar said all flight tickets from the Kingdom to Europe were fully booked by the end of Ramadan.
“Saudis generally head towards East Asia but this year Europe has become the most popular destination. Previous popular countries and cities for Saudi tourists such as Dubai, Turkey, Malaysia and others have become very expensive and hot during the summer,” said Al-Tayyar.
He said Ramadan this year arrived at the middle of the summer vacation. “Many Saudis were able to travel before, after or during Ramadan and most of them headed to Europe. The weather in Europe is inviting and many airlines have offers and discounts for trips from the Kingdom to Europe,” said Al-Tayyar.
Badr Bin Mohammad, manager in a travel agency, said most Saudis prefer, during the summer vacation, colder regions as the weather becomes scorching in Saudi Arabia.
“Europe, Malaysia, Dubai and Turkey are very popular destinations for Saudi tourists. Saudis traveling during the summer vacation this year is much higher when compared to the same time last year. The tourism industry in the Kingdom has had a good year, especially outbound tourists,” said Bin Mahmoud.
A Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) source said there was an increase in the total amount of money spent on international flights by Saudis.
“The total amount of money spent on international flights by Saudis has increased by 32.7 percent in 2014 in comparison to 2013. In 2014, the total amount of money spent on departing flights was SR29.6 billion. In 2013, the total amount of money spent on departing flights was SR22.3 billion,” said the source.
The source also said in 2013 most Saudis traveled to other Gulf countries such as Dubai, Bahrain and Qatar.
“In 2013, 51 percent of Saudi tourists traveled to Dubai, Bahrain and Qatar. About 29.6 percent traveled to other countries in the Middle East, while 9.2 percent traveled to South Asia and 10.2 percent traveled to Europe and America,” said the source.
The source added there was an increase in the total amount of money spent on national flights by Saudis.
“The total amount of money spent on international flights by Saudis has increased by 24 percent in 2014 in comparison to 2013. In 2014, the total amount of money spent on local flights was SR6.2 billion. In 2013, the total amount of money spent on local flights was SR5 billion,” said the source.