Arab Spring hits region's tourism, losses at $96 bn

The ongoing political turmoil in Arab countries and the resulting instability has hit the tourism sector hard leading to losses estimated at $96 billion, a Saudi official has said.

Since the start of the Arab Spring in January last year, the loss to tourism sector has been around 18%, Bandar Al-Fuhaid, president of the Arab Tourism Organisation said.

He said the crisis in the region is also affecting the decision making process of his organisation.

"Our role has become difficult because tourism is intertwined with security and we cannot promote tourism in countries that are unstable, as any promotion will mean being dishonest with tourists and visitors," he was quoted by Arab News as saying.

Al-Fuhaid called for cooperation among the Arab countries and international communities to overcome challenges facing the tourism sector in the region, and put the estimate of loss since last year at $96 billion.
   
Popular pro-democracy protests spread in the Arab region after an uprising overthrew dictatorial regimes first in Tunisia and then in Egypt. Protests spread to Libya, Syria, Yemen, and Bahrain.
   
The pro-democracy movements have already uprooted well entrenched regimes in four countries -- Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen.
   
An Arab-Turkish forum is being held this year to help build more tourism relations between Turkey and Arab states.
   
Al-Khalili said that although the Arab culture was known for its hospitality and welcoming traditions, this concept has assumed tremendous importance as it has become part of the economy and needs to be promoted vigorously.
   
"Introducing the concept of tourism should start from schools and become part of the curriculum".
   
In Oman, he said, there is focus on tourism due to its importance in the national economy and not merely to attract large numbers of tourists.
   
According to him, though Gulf tourists visiting Oman constitute 68% of all visitors the Arabs generally prefer to travel during the summer time to visit malls and beaches.
   
This he said is contrary to the practice of foreigners who seek to visit Oman in winter for its adventure and outdoor tourism.