This decline is influenced by multiple factors, including inflation in various countries, and political events, particularly the situation in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. Another factor is the implementation of fingerprint attendance systems for employees, who previously used to travel frequently on weekends from Thursday to Saturday but are now restricted to nearby destinations. Many countries have experienced a noticeable rise in inflation rates, which has led to increased travel costs and reduced the purchasing power of travelers. Meanwhile, sources revealed that some airlines have recently resorted to partnering with travel agencies to stimulate travel by offering good discounts ranging from 30 to 40 percent on ticket prices.

In this regard, Director of Al-Rafah Tourism and Travel Company Muhammad Al-Zalbani highlighted that there has been a significant 30 percent decline in travel and ticket bookings on reservation systems. In a press statement, Al-Zalbani said he attributed this decline to various factors, including regional tensions in Lebanon and Gaza, concerns about potential airport closures, and a deteriorating economic situation, all of which have negatively impacted tourism. He explained that travel recovery is closely tied to security conditions. Some airlines are offering discounts to boost purchasing power and increase seat occupancy, particularly for departing passengers.

Some destinations in Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey, and Iran have been affected by the large number of flights to and from Kuwait. As a result, increased flight supply has resulted in decreased demand. Al-Zalbani hinted that ticket prices for some destinations in Turkey are expected to drop to around KD 100 in the coming days. When asked about the impact of the fingerprint attendance system on travel, Al-Zalbani said, “It may have contributed to the decline but to a limited extent. This is particularly relevant for employees who previously traveled from Thursday to Saturday to nearby destinations.” He revealed that some Kuwaiti families have canceled their reservations due to family connections with Bedoun residents who have recently faced travel restrictions and are allowed only for specific cases.

By Mohammed Al-Musleh
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff