A massive exhibition focusing on the Saudi tourism market is to be held in Jeddah next month. Over 200 local and international tourist companies will attend the event, which will be titled “Gateway to Tourism”. Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Tourist Committee Chairman, Prince Abdullah Bin Saud Bin Muhammad, said the tourism and travel exhibition will be held from Feb. 1-3. The Emir of Makkah region, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, will patronize the event, which comes as statistics reveal that Saudi Arabia is one of the largest tourism markets in the Middle East. Prince Abdullah said: “This is one of the first exhibitions exclusively focusing on travel and tourist services in the Kingdom. It comes at a time when many recreational and tourist programs are being held all over the Kingdom.” The exhibition will boost public awareness about the importance of tourism and provide information on services to boost domestic tourism. Over 10,000 visitors are expected to attend the event as well as large numbers of global tourist companies. JCCI Secretary General Adnan Bin Hussain Mandoura said: “Citizens and the next generation should realize the importance of domestic tourism and the exquisite archeological, historical and religious sites in the Kingdom.” Mandoura revealed that the latest statistics indicate that SR60 billion was invested in tourism in Jeddah alone. He attributed the boost to shrewd businessmen entering into investment partnership agreements. The Executive Director of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities for Makkah region, Muhammad Bin Abdullah Al-Amri, highlighted the importance of the tourism sector as a vital economic resource. “SCTA focuses on investing in heritage, culture and environment to create job opportunities for Saudi youth. I hope the exhibition will promote and encourage domestic tourism,” Al-Amri said. __
