As the Eid Al Adha holiday approaches, a surge in tourism from the UAE to the enchanting destinations of Abha in Saudi Arabia and Salalah in Oman has been observed.
Travel industry executives report a notable increase in residents opting for these picturesque locales, drawn by their convenient accessibility and favorable weather conditions.
According to industry experts, group departures to Salalah during Eid Al Adha have become immensely popular, with overall summer inquiries for both destinations showing impressive figures.
Rashida Zahid, Vice-President of Operations at Musafir.com, highlights the significant rise in bookings, stating, “We are witnessing a 15 percent increase in Salalah bookings and a surge of 30 percent for Abha compared to last summer.
This data suggests a substantial increase in travelers seeking unique summer escapes within the region.”
“These destinations offer a compelling alternative to the usual summer hotspots, attracting visitors seeking cooler climates, breathtaking landscapes, and unique cultural experiences,” adds Zahid.
Meenu Krishna, outbound sales manager at Rooh Tourism, confirms the high demand for travel packages, stating, “We have many group packages scheduled during the summer months. However, during the Eid Al Adha break, we have sold out our seats.”
Gulf Transport Company, which operates a bus service to Salalah, reports a surge in daily inquiries for travel to the Oman city. An operator at the agency notes, “There are many passengers currently traveling to Salalah. When the Khareef season hits on June 15, we can expect the bus to run at full capacity.”
With the Eid Al Adha break approaching, residents are already booking tickets to spend three days in the wonderland of the Middle East. Factors influencing the growing interest in these regions include their accessibility by both road and air travel, allowing for quick trips that can be completed in three days.
Meenu Krishna further explains, “These destinations are considered ideal as people can take road trips and also travel by flight. Their trip can be completed in three days – a few residents cannot take longer leaves from their office, so they prefer Salalah.”
Moreover, the unavailability of visas to many countries and expensive airfares contribute to the appeal of Abha and Salalah. Meenu Krishna elaborates, “Many countries require prior visa approvals. Citing the case of Schengen countries, it is highly difficult to plan a trip now. So due to this, residents opt for colder weather in winter months.”
She also highlights the cost-effectiveness of trips to Abha and Salalah compared to European destinations, stating, “A trip to Europe may cost between Dh4,000 going all the way up to Dh12,000.
“However, a trip to Abha or Salalah for three days is priced from Dh1,100 up to Dh2,500 depending on the mode of transportation and accommodation.”
In conclusion, the allure of cooler climates, scenic landscapes, and hassle-free travel arrangements make Abha and Salalah the preferred choice for UAE residents seeking a memorable Eid Al Adha getaway.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members