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Despite steep airfares more Qataris opt travelling abroad this summer
The scorching summer heat in Doha has forced Qatari residents to seek destinations outside Qatar to spend their holidays.
According to sources from travel industry, huge numbers of tourists are leaving the country this summer, least bothering about the major increase in airfares, while those who are unable to afford the exorbitant air fares are travelling to neighboring Gulf countries by road.
The Peninsula has reported that there has been a 35 percent increase in bookings for holiday trips to various destinations as against last summer. The prices have increased by 25 percent over last year, although this has not deterred the holiday makers in the least bit.
“People are even going ahead for bank loans and financing companies too are making their trips,” says an official of leading travel and tours Company. Apart from nationals, several expatriates have also booked seats to their favorite holiday destinations, with the Far East, Europe, The Middle East and Australia, being the most favored destinations, reveals the sources. Beirut, following its recent peace deal, has regained status as the most sought after tourist destination in Middle East. Most flights to Beirut are full and the demand has increased only a month ago. Cairo remains the busiest destination in Middle East.
Meanwhile, Australia has emerged as the latest attraction for tourists from Qatar, while European cities like Berlin, Paris and London and Vienna, has been attracting large number of tourists. Most travelers go ahead for tour packages that last anywhere from one to two weeks.
Meanwhile for the travelers who take the road, Salala in Oman is a major attraction due to its pleasant climate. While on the way to Salala by Car, Qataris also get to stopover at Saudi Arabia and UAE.
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