More than 50,000 Saudi tourists have chosen the Philippines as their vacation destination this summer, according to industry sources. Airports across the Kingdom witnessed a huge of rush of travelers over the past two days with the beginning of the summer season. In addition to various European cities, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates were among the favored destinations. Flights to major tourist areas in the Kingdom, especially Abha, were full. Many people all over the Kingdom were also using the summer vacation to visit Makkah and Madinah to perform Umrah and pray at the Prophet's Mosque as the holy month of Ramadan is imminent. Philippines Tourism Ministry Secretary Ramon Jaminese said the ministry launched its tourism promotion campaign for 2016 after its great success in attracting tourists in 2015. "A total of 83,546 tourists from the Middle East visited the Philippines in the summer of 2015. The rate of visitors increased this summer by 9.69 percent. Most of the Middle Eastern tourists are Saudis who number 50,884, followed by 16,881 Emirati tourists," said Jaminese. He said the ministry is focusing on the retail sector to attract tourists. "The ministry contracts with numerous travel and tourism agencies to provide alluring offers to tourists. The ministry aims to make the Philippines an exceptional tourist attraction. We have a variety of activities that are suitable for all ages. Filipinos are a welcoming and friendly people who are always happy to see tourists interested in their country," said Jaminese.
