Most Saudi youth say they head overseas during their summer break to escape the oppressive heat, high prices and inadequate entertainment and tourism facilities in the Kingdom. Ibrahim Khaled said he spends his annual vacation abroad because he enjoys the beautiful scenery and cold and foggy weather in countries like Malaysia and Turkey. These two destinations attract tourists from all corners of the world because of their excellent hotel services. There are also no restrictions for the youth to attend entertainment programs with their families. Ahmad Makkai Sowyid said he is used to vacationing in neighboring Arab countries every year because of their magnificent natural views and generous hospitality. In fact these countries are distinguished by their many tourist attractions which are not available in the Kingdom. Added to this, there are well-organized summer festivals and amusement programs. The natives in these countries respect tourists and treat them well. Faltering projects “The money we spend is worth the services we get,” said Fahd Al-Qhatani. “We are bored with the traffic bottlenecks and hot weather in Jeddah and other regions. Added to this are the faltering projects in Jeddah which cause lots of inconveniences for motorists. This is why I pack my luggage and head to foreign countries every vacation to spend some happy days. My favorite destination is Morocco because of its fine weather and many facilities devoted to the youth, unlike the situation here where “all facilities are for families”. Even the facilities devoted to the youth suddenly become restricted areas to families. This happens to us as if we belong to another planet.” Kamel Ibrahim said: “Frankly speaking, tourism in the Kingdom is not that successful. Nothing is new or exciting. The situation is at a standstill; as is the case every year with the congestion and hot weather. Restaurants and cafés charge astronomical prices for ordinary services. Middle class vacationers can't afford these skyrocketing prices. If this is the case for the middle and higher classes, how can young men afford this?” Tampering with prices “Also, unlike the case in Western countries, they never tamper with prices. And if there is an increase in prices, it is very marginal. Moreover, there are lots of entertainment programs for the young and adults. No restrictions at all. These positive aspects of tourism abroad keep us away from domestic tourism” Muhammad Al-Amoudi said, “When I arrived from the United States where I study, to visit my family, I was stunned by the hot weather. This made me rush to the nearest travel agency and reserve a seat to Austria and Germany for a fortnight. If you ask me what makes me fly to European countries, I will say that it is the Kingdom's high temperature which increases every year. Added to this are the endless projects, overcrowding and the expensive restaurants and café shops. We do need recreational and entertainment facilities.” Rostum Kabaisi, head of the Tourism and Antiquities Department in Jizan, said his department is in the process of holding a consultative meeting with the youth in the Kingdom so that plans can be developed for their participation in summer and winter festivals and tourism activities. He said the department has already developed programs for modifying cars, mountaineering, theatrical shows, boat races and picnics. __
