Hong Kongers can now travel to Saudi Arabia cheaper after Cathay Pacific resumed direct flights between the city and the capital Riyadh on Monday, but safety concerns are slowing a recovery in demand, industry experts say. said the family.
Moon Yau Mun-yi, assistant general manager of Sunflower Travel Services, said, “The cost of tickets to Saudi Arabia has come down as there are more seats available on flights.”
“In the past, a travel package to Saudi Arabia typically cost around HK$40,000 (US$5,150).
“However, with adjustments to transportation costs, we are now offering a 7-day highlights tour of Saudi Arabia for less than HK$20,000.”
Cathay has resumed direct passenger flights to Riyadh seven years after they were suspended, with the aim of strengthening connectivity, trade and cultural exchanges between its home base of Hong Kong and countries participating in the Belt and Road.
The initiative was in line with the government’s recent attraction offensive aimed at strengthening economic ties with the Middle East and increasing the number of visitors to Hong Kong from the region.
In his policy speech, Lee said he would encourage various sectors to promote incentives for Muslim travelers, such as increasing the number of halal restaurants and places of worship in the city.