More Indian expatriates visiting Gulf Holy cities

Dubai, Jan 20 (UNI) The number of Indians expatriates in Gulf countries visiting holy cites in West Asia is on the rise, according to a Kochi-based priest who pioneers pilgrimage tours.

Father Sleeba Kattumangattu Cor Episcopa said almost 30 groups, mostly from Kerala, had travelled to the holy sites of West Asia in 2006 alone.

A number of them were from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, including two from Qatar, he told the Gulf Times of Doha.

He said the introduction of low-cost airlines on a number of sectors had led to a tourism boom in the region, especially among the Indians.

Besides destinations of Biblical interest, the tourists also visit places like Amman and Alexandria as part of the tour, he added.

A 25-member group of Gulf-based Indians and a 50-member group from Kerala will be travelling next week, he added.

In the last 12 years, Fr Kattumangattu has facilitated the travel of more than 10,000 tourists to the region UNI