The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) has launched over 15 entertainment and shopping festivals across the country for the spring break. Circus shows, acrobats, educational contests, and distribution of gifts and sweets will be held for children at the major shopping centers in Jeddah all week long. Despite the increase in tourist attractions in the Kingdom, a large percentage of local tourists fly abroad. International flights are going full, according to Dr. Nasser Al-Tayyar, Managing Director of Al-Tayyar Travel and Tourism Group. There has been a marked increase in flight sales to Gulf and European countries since the start of the school break, he said. “Due to the unrest in some parts of the Arab world, tourists are changing their travel plans from the traditionally favorite travel spots such as Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan to alternative cosmopolitan cities in the Gulf region, with Dubai seizing the top of the list,” Al-Tayyar said. “The enormous demand for flights to Dubai has sealed off most planes flying there and it is extremely difficult to find reservations to Dubai now. The airplanes heading to Paris and London are also very busy at this time of the year, as are the local flights to the holy cities of Makkah and Madina for spiritual trips,” he added. Abdullah Al-Jehani, Vice President of the SCTA, said: “The SCTA has completed its preparations to greet and entertain tourists in the Kingdom throughout a total of 15 winter holiday festivals. Each festival is distinguished and different to reflect the unique culture of the region it is held in.” “The SCTA wants to offer tourists a new and original form of recreation that will involve all segments of the society and visitors of all ages and backgrounds,” he added. The SCTA is also trying to control the prices charged by hotels and furnished apartments. Other precautions taken into consideration are making sure that all places of residence for tourists and visitors conform to proper hygiene and safety regulations. Any hotel or accommodation site that violates cleanliness and safety regulations or charges unreasonably high prices will be penalized with heavy fines. The SCTA has provided a toll free number, 8007550000, that consumers and tourists can dial if they wish to report any complaints. __
