Travel agents expect that bookings will increase for Eid al Adha, following a slow travel season this summer. The travel industry was greatly affected by the global financial crisis and swine flu fears, but many are optimistic that things are turning around for the Eid and National Day holidays, which begin on November 26 and end on December 3rd.   

Travel manager at Sharif Travel in Dubai said “It’s looking a lot better.  I can see signs of growth coming up again.”  He said that on average, travel packages are between five and ten percent cheaper, and this is drawing a lot of business, although “it’s a bit of a last minute market here.”    Mr. Bangara said Bangkok has been a popular destination because it’s not very expensive.  He does not expect business to be as strong as last year, when there was a 20 percent increase in outbound travel compared with the previous year