Travel industry gears up for vacationers

There has been tremendous increase this time in the number of Saudi travelers to European countries judging by flight and hotel reservations. This was mainly because of the depreciation of euro against Saudi riyal and easing of visa procedures by these countries. Saudi vacationers find the biased attitude of some Arab countries, especially Egypt and Lebanon, to be a deterrent in planning vacations there. Meanwhile, Malaysia and Dubai remained the most favored destinations for Saudis.

Nasir Al-Tayyar, chairman of Al-Tayyer Travel and Tourism Group, said depreciation of euro and the simplified visa procedures that took place in recent weeks has become a blessing in disguise for the Saudi travel and tourism industry.