PHOTO
25 July 2016
RIYADH: Unperturbed by security concerns caused by recent terror attacks in Paris, Munich and Istanbul and the failed Turkish coup, Saudis continue to enjoy foreign tours, embarking on trips to their favorite destinations worldwide including Europe and Turkey this summer.
Denouncing terrorist acts in all forms and manifestations, a wider cross section instead emphasized that rather than being intimidated by such continued acts of violence, there should be strong resolve worldwide to combat terrorism.
"After routine work, the summer break in schools and universities allows families to spend time together.
Why panic and bother about hate mongers who disturb peace by terrorizing people? Rather we must continue with normal routine without being intimidated by the acts of terror, which will be a good response to those who want to deter people by their acts of terrorism," said Bandar Al-Motairi, who works as a senior sales executive. He added that he was going on trip this week as he had earlier planned.
Mohammed Al-Barrak, who works with a research and development organization, said" "Tourism to Turkey is back to normal after an initial slowdown following the failed coup in the country."
"In fact, i was reading a report yesterday that with everything back to normal, more people are going to Turkey now to see what is happening there. Many Saudis on trips during the failed coup had sent pictures and videos of how the Turkish people came onto the streets to defy the coup," he added.
A travel industry representative, on request of anonymity, said Sunday that tour operators are organizing their regular packages to Turkey as flights to Turkish cities are back to their normal schedules.
The Kingdom's flag carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines announced the resumption of its flights to Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul as scheduled from main stations in Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam and Madinah less than 48 hours after flights were suspended and airports closed due to the attempted coup and events in Turkey.
Saudia currently operates 34 round-trip flights weekly to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah to Istanbul.
Abdullah Inayat, co-founder and media relations director at W7 communications, said that he was not deterred by perpetrators of violence and was sticking to his holiday planned earlier.
"There are many of my friends traveling abroad to Europe and Malaysia with families for the summer vacation," he said.
"Given the length of the school holidays, extending up to four months, travel and tourism agencies have offered opportunities to go on trips to several countries and we are continuing to cash in on that," he added.
RIYADH: Unperturbed by security concerns caused by recent terror attacks in Paris, Munich and Istanbul and the failed Turkish coup, Saudis continue to enjoy foreign tours, embarking on trips to their favorite destinations worldwide including Europe and Turkey this summer.
Denouncing terrorist acts in all forms and manifestations, a wider cross section instead emphasized that rather than being intimidated by such continued acts of violence, there should be strong resolve worldwide to combat terrorism.
"After routine work, the summer break in schools and universities allows families to spend time together.
Why panic and bother about hate mongers who disturb peace by terrorizing people? Rather we must continue with normal routine without being intimidated by the acts of terror, which will be a good response to those who want to deter people by their acts of terrorism," said Bandar Al-Motairi, who works as a senior sales executive. He added that he was going on trip this week as he had earlier planned.
Mohammed Al-Barrak, who works with a research and development organization, said" "Tourism to Turkey is back to normal after an initial slowdown following the failed coup in the country."
"In fact, i was reading a report yesterday that with everything back to normal, more people are going to Turkey now to see what is happening there. Many Saudis on trips during the failed coup had sent pictures and videos of how the Turkish people came onto the streets to defy the coup," he added.
A travel industry representative, on request of anonymity, said Sunday that tour operators are organizing their regular packages to Turkey as flights to Turkish cities are back to their normal schedules.
The Kingdom's flag carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines announced the resumption of its flights to Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul as scheduled from main stations in Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam and Madinah less than 48 hours after flights were suspended and airports closed due to the attempted coup and events in Turkey.
Saudia currently operates 34 round-trip flights weekly to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah to Istanbul.
Abdullah Inayat, co-founder and media relations director at W7 communications, said that he was not deterred by perpetrators of violence and was sticking to his holiday planned earlier.
"There are many of my friends traveling abroad to Europe and Malaysia with families for the summer vacation," he said.
"Given the length of the school holidays, extending up to four months, travel and tourism agencies have offered opportunities to go on trips to several countries and we are continuing to cash in on that," he added.
© Arab News 2016
