The chairman of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) Tourism Committee and chairman of Al-Ahlam Marine Tourism Group, Prince Abdullah Bin Saud Bin Mohammad has unveiled a joint Saudi–Spanish marine tourism project. The announcement coincides with a recent visit by the mayor of Marbella Angeles Munoz to Al-Ahlam Marina. There she received a tour of the city's seafront development works which are considered a key factor in advancing the Kingdom's tourism sector. The reception delegation was headed by Prince Abdullah and included the deputy mayor of Jeddah Khalid Al-Aqeel; the executive director of the Supreme Commission for Tourism in Makkah region Mohammad Al-Amri; and the secretary general of the JCCI Adnan Mandoura as well as scores of businessmen. The Spanish delegation gave a briefing on the latest endeavors by the Spanish government to revive marine tourism in the city of Marbella, which is a favorite destination for Saudi families. Prince Abdullah said: “During the meeting, we discussed the best ways to benefit from the Spanish experience in maritime entertainment and sightseeing. Although the population of Spain does not exceed 40 million, it receives more than 70 million tourists a year.” He added that “the Saudi authorities represented by the Emir of Makah region Prince Khaled Al-Faisal hope to speed up the development of the seaside areas with the projects taking place at the current time.” The Spanish tourism industry is mainly focused on the seafronts located along the southern beaches of the country. Prince Abdullah said: “The Spanish government benefits from mild temperatures year round in addition to competitive prices and accommodation rates as compared with other European countries like Italy and France.” Munoz told Saudi Gazette she welcomed Saudi tourists to Spain all around the year and said there is a special plan to improve tourism in Marbella focusing on recreational, therapeutic and educational aspects. She expressed her admiration for the civil progress in the Kingdom and said that Spain hopes for more cooperation between the two countries in tourism and maritime recreation. She highlighted what she believes to be the secret of attracting more tourists. She stressed that “the tourism equation is centered on quality of services at moderate prices.” __
