Travel bookings in Jeddah have dropped 25% this year due to a shorter summer schedule and the swine flu virus, according to one Jeddah based travel agent.  CEO of  Departure Point Travel and Tourism Company said “The rates are competitive this year compared to last year, but still demand is less than expected.”  Al Faqeeh said this year tourists are tending to go to cheaper countries like Egypt, Malaysia, and Turkey.

This year Ramadan, which is a stay at home holiday for many people, overlaps with the summer break.  Many Saudi travelers will probably take shorter vacations in the country while other will plan shorter trips abroad after Ramadan and before school begins.