JEDDAH: Gov. of Jeddah Prince Mishaal bin Majed is scheduled to open an annual tourism exhibition here on Wednesday. More than 200 tourism companies and establishments of tourism sector from inside and outside are participating in the three-day event that carries the theme "Tourism Gateway."
"Large companies are interested in Saudi tourism market, which is considered the largest in the Middle East according to latest statistics," Chairman of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (JCCI) Tourism Committee Prince Abdullah bin Saud said.
"More than 30,000 tourists are expected to visit the exhibition in which domestic and foreign companies are participating," the prince added.
While the Kingdom is growing fast with unprecedented expansion in tourism infrastructure, Jeddah city alone attracted SR60 billion worth tourism investment, he said.
"Companies related to tourism such as tour operators, hotels and airlines companies, besides the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) are participating in the exhibition," he said.
Secretary-General of JCCI Adnan Mandoura said the exhibition will also provide businessmen the opportunity to make trade deals and agreements.
Executive Director of SCTA in Makkah Province Muhammad Al-Amri said there is a notable increase in investments in culture and heritage locations in the Kingdom.
"With its historical landmarks, antique museums, hotels, restaurants and shopping malls, Jeddah has become the most attractive location to tourists in the Kingdom," Al-Amri said.
Jeddah also hosts a number of regional and international exhibitions and forums.
There are more than 350 commercial centers and markets, which account for 25 percent of total number of markets in the Kingdom.
It also accounts for 36 percent of organized tours in the Kingdom. Its position as the entry point of 12 million Haj and Umrah pilgrims annually is another factor that makes it a major tourist location, he said.
© Arab News 2012
