Saeed Al-Khotani Saudi Gazette RIYADH — Observations made by visitors to a travel fair in Riyadh show that Saudi tourists have become more cost-conscious. The four-day Riyadh Travel Fair 2013 concluded at Four Seasons Hotel here on Friday. Abdul Rahman Al-Gosn, a college student, said he came to the fair because he liked travel as it helps him acquaint with other cultures. “But I will not decide my destination until I know the cost; it could be a neighboring country for the time being.” Saeed, an employee, said the days when Saudis used to travel anywhere anytime without prior planning seemed to be over. “Now a lot of Saudis are planning months ahead to benefit from the low travel and accommodation offers on the Internet,” he said. Sara, a computer trainee, said: “I came to collect information on destinations. I consider Turkey for the summer as it seems less expensive compared to Europe.” Exhibitors, who are aware of this new trend among Saudis, were eager to provide reliable information on the best destinations that justify the cost. Rafael Enzler, managing director for Swiss Tourism in the Gulf, said: “Switzerland is a global tourism destination well known to affluent Saudis. However, the country has a broad range of offers for travelers. One can decide to stay at a five-star hotel in a major city or go for smaller and cheaper ones at other destinations.” Shafiq Ibrahim, marketing manager at Korea National Tourism Organization in Dubai, said: “The number of Saudis coming to Korea increased almost by 25 percent year on year during the last four years despite a lack of information on tourism in Korea. So, we are here to fill this gap.” Kurian Varghese, general manager for marketing at Citrus Hotels in Kerala, India, said: “As a first-time exhibitor, we want to showcase our hotel to get a share of the increasing number of Saudis and Middle Easterners coming to Kerala during the monsoon months of June-August. We also wish to inform Saudis on wildlife and nature tourism opportunities in Kerala.” Hussein Es, tourism and cultural attaché at the Turkish Embassy, said: “Turkey is a major participant at this event. Turkish pavilions this year include local tourism authorities in Istanbul, Antalya and Bursa, along with booths of some other towns, hotels and resorts.” The deputy governor of the Turkish region of Bursa toured the pavilions and booths accompanied by Ambassador Ahmet Muhtar Gun. Samet Ercoskun, who is currently visiting the Gulf states to promote his region, called on Saudis to visit his country in general and Bursa either as tourists or students, or for mineral water therapy. Riyadh Travel Fair, opened on Monday by Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Abdullah Al-Jasir, was launched in 2009 as a major local tourism promotion event, focusing mainly on external destinations. The purpose of this event, which has grown steadily over the years, was to make first-hand information available to Saudis in their home country, according to Bandar Al-Griny, director general of Asas Company, the fair organizer. “We started the first year with just tens of exhibitors. In its fifth year, we had around 180 exhibitors, which is an increase of 23 percent over 2012 when 146 exhibitors came,” he said, adding that there was also a tremendous increase in the number of visitors. “This year we had over 10,000 visitors, which is an increase of 25 percent over 2012,” Al-Griny told Saudi Gazette.
