«Car Rental»: Occupancy ranges between 40 and 50%

Trends to enhance the role of car rental in tourism and investment

Proposal for an integrated medical tourism transport route

The Syndic of Car Rental Office Owners, Marwan Akoubeh, revealed that the sector's activity is witnessing a noticeable improvement compared to similar periods in previous years, currently ranging between 40 and 50 percent, compared to about 30 to 35 percent in previous seasons.

In a statement to (Alrai), Akoubeh explained that the return of low-cost aviation travel has contributed to revitalizing foreign tourism, which has directly reflected on the car rental sector and helped offices achieve better operating levels during the current period.

He added that this period is considered transitional and coincides with the autumn season, yet the sector is witnessing relatively good tourist activity, with foreign and Arab tourists present, which has contributed to supporting the demand for car rental services.

He pointed out that foreign tourism constitutes the most prominent driver of activity during this period, while domestic demand remains very weak and limited.

Akoubeh noted that the improvement in low-cost aviation traffic represents an important factor in supporting the sector, given that the activity of car rental offices is directly linked to the numbers of tourists arriving in the Kingdom and their transportation needs during their stay.

Akoubeh commended the Ministry of Tourism for including the sector under the umbrella of supporting tourism patterns, which enhances the sector's benefit from tourist movement and cements its role within the tourism system in the Kingdom.

He pointed out that including the sector among supporting tourism patterns will enhance integration between the services provided to the tourist, and support the ability of car rental offices to benefit from the growth in tourist numbers and tourism movement.

Akoubeh affirmed that the syndicate has submitted a number of proposals aimed at enhancing the sector's role in supporting tourism and the national economy, including the inclusion of car rental offices among tourism-supporting activities and benefiting from investment advantages and facilities designated for activities related to the tourism sector, alongside developing a medical tourism transport route and linking licensed offices to the "Salamatak" platform, allowing the provision of integrated services to patients and their companions.

The syndicate affirmed that these proposals are still under study and coordination with the relevant authorities, in preparation for reaching agreed-upon formulas and executive mechanisms, in line with effective legislation and supporting the development of tourism and medical services in the Kingdom.

The added value for this sector is estimated at about 90.5 million dinars, constituting 0.253% of the Gross Domestic Product.