15/01/2022
15/01/2022
Public fears flights suspension
KUWAIT CITY, Jan 15: The fear of citizens and expatriates over any future government measures regarding the rising number of coronavirus cases has once again affected the tourism and travel sector in the country,reports Al-Anba daily. Wariness over any changes that may occur in facing the outbreak of coronavirus and its variants has led to a decrease in the demand for travel by up to 70 percent. However, experts in the tourism and travel sector stressed that the current wariness of citizens and expatriates over traveling is not a manifestation of the measures taken in Kuwait alone, as it is also due to fear of any measures which might be taken in the countries of destination for travelers during such period each year.
A number of experts in the tourism and travel sector said in separate statements to the daily that the current period is witnessing a low demand for travel among citizens and expatriates who opted to not take risks in traveling at present in light of the high number corona cases. This is in addition to the recent decision of the Council of Ministers to take precautionary measures, reflected in the caution of individuals in traveling to avoid any emergency situation which might disrupt their flight.
In this context, Naji Khader, Sales Director at Al-KharafiTravels Office, revealed the demand for travel decreased by up to 70 percent; compared to December last year. He added many are afraid that the Council of Ministers might take stricter measures, such as suspending commercial flights to and from Kuwait International Airport. He said most of the demand for travel is currently in the traditional framework, as India and Egypt are still among the most preferred destinations among expatriates; while Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are the most preferred destinations among citizens.