KUWAIT CITY, Aug 4: Despite the extremely hot weather that the country is experiencing; the travel sector is witnessing a noticeable decline in the number of travelers this summer season, with local tourism experts and travel agencies expecting the travel rate to drop by 15 percent compared to last summer. Experts pointed out that people are reluctant to travel this summer despite the availability of special offers for many destinations and affordable flight tickets due to inflation and high prices in some European countries.

They said the East Asian countries witnessed the steepest decline in ticket sales as their current climate is hot and humid – similar to the climate in Gulf countries. On the other hand, reliable sources said some decision-making departments in the airlines operating in the country are conducting extensive studies to determine the reasons behind people’s reluctance to travel; taking into consideration the availability of attractive offers and special travel packages.

Sales Development Manager at Gulf Travel Elias Mansour confirmed that the reservation systems are witnessing a significant decline in travel demand, as some European embassies limit the number of Schengen visa application appointments daily; in addition to the soaring prices and exorbitant cost of hotels and other types of accommodations. “The electronic reservation systems have recorded a steep decline in ticket purchases from travel agencies. The offers provided by agencies are unique in terms of hotel reservations, ticket prices and others; yet there has been no noticeable turnout from those wishing to travel compared to last summer. The reservation systems for August did not record high reservation rates compared to last year,” he added.

Director of Alam Al-Salehiya Tourism and Travel Company Ayman Zandah disclosed that the percentage of decline in travel reservations ranges from 10 to 15 percent compared to last year. “We often wonder about the reasons behind the low demand this year; especially in light of the current stability of conditions, the coronavirus pandemic, and the accompanying closures that affected the market. Kuwait is witnessing the highest temperature in the world, but the travel demand is declining.

The tourism and travel companies have presented many offers related to ticket prices and other travel needs, yet they have not witnessed a significant number of bookings,” he asserted. He added that East Asian countries are experiencing the steepest decline in the number of travelers due to several factors, most notably their hot and humid weather like that of Gulf countries.

By Mohammad Al-Musleh
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff