Middle East tourists “shun Europe”
Tourists from the Middle East are reportedly flocking to Malaysia and other eastern destinations because they are “tired as being viewed as potential terrorists”.
According to a report in the Singapore newspaper website The Straits Times, visitor numbers from Muslim nations have grown rapidly in recent months and authorities are predicting even greater numbers for the summer season.
The website reports that arrivals from Saudi Arabia grew 28 per cent in the first five months of the year, there were 38 per cent more visitors from Kuwait and 30 per cent more from the United Arab Emirates.
One Saudi tourist is quoted as saying: “My wife and I decided to avoid going to Europe and America after what happened on September 11. It is difficult to get visas now anyway. We heard about Malaysia; the people are nice, it’s much cheaper than Europe and it’s good for a nice family holiday.”
The website reports that many hotels in Malaysia are gearing up for the increase in numbers by giving staff lessons on Middle Eastern etiquette and teaching them basic phrases in Arabic.
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad
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