Airfares soar ahead of Eid holidays

WITH the approach of the Eid Al Fitr holidays, airfares to many destinations from Doha have gone up by about 50 to 70 percent, according to Dohabased travel agencies.

Saleh al Taweel, General Manager of International Travel, said: “The travel and tourism offices are witnessing a strong demand for popular destinations by residents such as Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, India and Pakistan ahead of the Eid holidays. There is also a strong demand for top tourist destinations by citizens such as the UK, France, the US and Turkey this holiday season.”

With demand rising, the airlines are leaving no stone unturned to make the most out of it to beat their off-season blues.

“There is a strong demand from citizens and residents to travel during this holiday season,” said Samira Darwish, General Manager of Travel Saif-Qatar.

Samira said Turkey and Lebanon are emerging as hot destinations. “Despite the high ticket prices, the offers made by Qatar Airways have contributed to creating a price balance in the market. Qatar Airways has announced 25 percent discount on flights from Doha to more than 160 destinations around the world, for travel between May 30 and August 16.

Tarek Abdul Latif, CEO of Regency Travel and Tourism, said there’s an increase in bookings ahead of the Eid holidays. Turkey, especially Istanbul, is emerging as the most sought after destination, followed by London, Paris and other European countries, he said.

There is a strong demand for top tourist destinations such as the UK, France, the US and Turkey this holiday season.” — Saleh al Taweel, GM of International Travel

“The travel and tourism offices are witnessing significant activity and movement during the last few days. Hamad International Airport witnessed a clear rise in the number of passengers,” said Ahmed Hussain, General Manager of Tourist Travel.

“This momentum is linked to the Eid Al Fitr holidays and the summer season. We expect high demand for travel during the last week of the Holy Month of Ramadan, when bookings peak for those wishing to spend Eid holidays abroad,” he said, adding that the airfares have increased by about 50 to 70 percent compared to the offseason.