SAUDI ARABIA: The country hosts a tourism fair aimed at boosting travel and services in the country. According to local media reports, the sector is worth 15 billion U.S dollars, and is one of the main hospitality markets in the Gulf region

Record ID: 189153

  • Title: SAUDI ARABIA: The country hosts a tourism fair aimed at boosting travel and services in the country. According to local media reports, the sector is worth 15 billion U.S dollars, and is one of the main hospitality markets in the Gulf region
  • Date: 7th April 2013
  • Summary: (SOUNBITE) (Arabic) ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT FOR MARKETING AT SAUDI COMMISSION FOR TOURISM & ANTIQUITIES, HAMMAD AL SHEIKH, SAYING: "We at this forum seek to bring together all of those who have a relationship in the tourism industry to exchange views and take advantage of the experience and expertise, and exchange transactions and to reach agreements, to benefit from the experiences of others and to take advantage of the media and the marketing sides of the forum, and define the products of every tourist region and every facility taking part in this exhibition."
  • Embargoed: 22nd April 2013 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Saudi Arabia
  • Country: Saudi Arabia
  • Topics: Business,Industry,Travel / Tourism
  • Reuters ID: LVA2NB4ZJTX6GY9MERK17P5YFR9V
  • Story Text: The tourism industry will become the biggest employer in Saudi Arabia in less than a decade, employing nearly 1.8 million people by 2020, local media reported quoting the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA).
    SAMA also said the number of tourism jobs rose from 633,000 in 2010 to 670,000 in 2011, accounting for nearly eight percent of the total workforce of 8.8 million, according to Arab News.
    Local media say the sector is worth 15 billion U.S. dollars and is one of the main hospitality markets in the region.
    In an attempt to further strengthen the industry, Saudi Arabia hosted a tourism fair showcasing a variety of travel destinations and services available across the country.

    "We at this forum seek to bring together all of those who have relationships in the tourism industry to exchange views and take advantage of the experience and expertise, and exchange transactions and to reach agreements, to benefit from the experiences of others and take advantage of the media and the marketing sides of the forum, and define the products of every tourist region and every facility participated in the forum," said Hammad al Sheikh, Assistant Vice President for Marketing at Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities.
    The fair wasn't only an opportunity for those in the tourism industry to showcase their businesses, but it also provided a stage for local craftsmen and traders to show off their products.
    Yahya Mufareh travelled from the southwest province of Asir to exhibit his locally produced honey.

    "The Asir region is full of tourist areas, and one of the attractions in the Asir region is the different types of honey," said Mufareh.
    The event also provided an opportunity for Morocco and Saudi Arabia to increase their trade ties.

    "The cooperation was the focus of the meeting this morning with Prince Sultan bin Salman and it culminated in the partnership agreement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Morocco. The Agreement specifically provides for cooperation in the field of vocational training for craftsmen and craftswomen," said Moroccan Minister of Handicraft, Abdulssamad Qaiouh who had previously met with Saudi Arabia's Chairman of the General Authority for Tourism and Antiquities, Prince Sultan bin Salman.
    According to local media reports Saudi Arabia is keen to increase domestic tourism and is looking to invest in several regions across the country.
    The country is home to some of Islam's holiest sites and it also boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mada'in Saleh, an ancient city home to more than 100 tombs.
    With more visitors, comes a need for more accommodation, and according to industry specialist Majdi Al Aghbhash the capital, Riyadh, has seen a rise in the number of hotels being built.

    "Four thousand hotel rooms have been added to the market of Riyadh between 2008 to now, and I think the market needs more hotel rooms. The quality of service has also increased,'' said Hotel Specialist, Majdi Al Aghbhash.
    Others at the exhibition were pleasantly surprised by the number of people attending the event.
    ''I didn't think there would be such a large turnout and so many companies and exhibitors taking part in this exhibition. I'll most certainly benefit from that,'' said hotel worker Hassan Sharaf Al Dein.
    According to local media reports boosting tourism in the oil rich kingdom will support two of the government's goals, diversifying the economy and 'balanced regional development.'
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