Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Jeddah Shopping Festival 2016 (JSF 2016) has resulted in 90% reservations in hotels which add up to 120 hotels and 1200 furnished units. According to Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the city welcomes 5 million visitors yearly exceeding all other Saudi cities. The hotel sector is witnessing 18% increase in Makkah region lately. The festival targets visitors who are coming from different regions in the kingdom as well as Umrah pilgrims who pass by the city throughout the year. This festival aims also at pushing further the economic development of the city and enhance the status of the Jeddah worldwide. Muhammad Al-Amri, general manager of the Higher Commission for Tourism and Antiquities in Makkah Region, noted that the festival which lasts for a month and targets GCC families, has successfully diversified its events and presented them in an innovative manner. He noted that the commission is a partner in this festival and said that 5000 commercial centers are participating in the festival along with 70 entertainment locations, restaurants, hotels and furnished apartments which meet the demand of different segments of the society. According to the Tourism Statistics Information Center of the tourism commission since last Sunday, 214,000 visited the festival, 40% of which are coming from outside Jeddah. He highlighted on the efforts of different government and private sector bodies which have contributed to the organization of the festival. Adnan Mandoura, Secretary General of the JCCI, noted that they have organized the event for four years and added that the event goes in line with the strategic goals that are aimed at developing the tourism sector in Jeddah. He noted that the discount season has been successful and has contributed to the tourism industry.
