The enchanting destinations of Abha in Saudi Arabia and Salalah in Oman are experiencing a surge in tourists from the UAE.
Travel industry executives report that numerous residents are opting for these ideal locations during the Eid Al Adha break, drawn by their convenient locations and favourable weather.
Industry experts say Eid Al Adha group tours in Salalah have been a success and overall summer inquiries to both destinations have been impressive.
“Compared to last summer, bookings for Salalah are up 15 percent and bookings for Abha are up 30 percent. “The data shows a significant increase in the number of travelers looking for unique summer getaways in the region,” said Rashida Zahid, vice president of operations, Musafir.com.
“These destinations offer an attractive alternative to the usual summer hotspots, attracting travelers seeking cooler weather, stunning landscapes and unique cultural experiences,” Zahid added.
“We have many group packages planned for the summer months. “But during the Eid al-Adha holidays, the seats were sold out,” said Meenu Krishna, outbound sales manager at Raw Tourism.
Gulf Transport Company, which operates bus services to Salalah, said it was also receiving daily requests to travel to the Omani city. “Currently, many passengers are heading to Salalah. We expect buses to be full when the kharif season begins on June 15,” a driver from the agency said.
“Moreover, the Eid al-Adha public holiday is just around the corner. “Residents have already started booking tickets to spend three days in the Middle Eastern wonderland,” the operator added.
Some industry executives said several factors were influencing the growing interest in these areas. “These destinations are considered ideal because people can travel by road or fly from there and complete everything in three days. Some residents just can’t take time off work anymore and prefer Salalah,” Meenu said.
Other factors, industry executives said, include visa shortages in many countries and high airfares. “Many countries require prior visa approval. Take Schengen countries for example. It is very difficult to plan trips at the moment. This is why residents choose colder climates during the winter,” said Meenu.
“Travel costs are also a factor to consider. A trip to Europe can cost between 4,000 and 12,000 dirhams. However, a three-day trip to Abha or Salalah will cost you between 1,100 and 2,500 dirhams, depending on transport and accommodation,” Meenu said.