JEDDAH — Tourism becomes the central development theme in Vision 2030 and as the Kingdom gradually opens its doors to tourists from around the world, its own citizens are also considered as one the fastest growing segment in global travel market. With travel bookings in the Kingdom considered the largest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) — worth more than $25 billion each year — the power of the Saudi traveller shows no sign of slowing down, which was reflected in recently concluded Jeddah International Travel and Tourism Exhibition (JTTX) here where thousands of Saudis, including women, thronged to the event. Touted as the largest travel trade show in Kingdom, featuring outbound destinations for Saudi tourists, travel companies showcased several options. The JTTX ninth edition was formally inaugurated by Prince Saud Bin Abdallah Bin Jalawi, Advisor to Makkah Governor and also secretary at Jeddah Governorate. The show was held under patronage of Prince Mishal Bin Majed, Governor of Jeddah. More than 200 exhibitors from 29 countries participated in JTTX which was held at Hilton Hotel. Prince Saud toured the tourism stalls belonging to Kingdom as well as global. These stalls displayed a wide range of tourism facilities such hotels, resorts, airlines, travel technologies, medical and educational tourism. SGS, the leading ground handling company across all airports in Kingdom, impressed the visitors by its stall at main hall where SGS officials explained the procedures of travelers. SGS Managing Director Attian Al Hazmi said SGS is keen to exchange the International travel experience. Significant of Kingdom's outbound tourists traveling to UAE, Bahrain, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Turkey and UK as top holiday destinations. However, new destinations such as Kerala in India, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan and Georgia emerge as new destinations for Saudis. The show also featured eight new destinations, Hong Kong, Finland, Spain, Mauritius, Morocco, Kosovo, Vietnam, New Zealand and Tunisia was the guest of honor of the event. One of the biggest highlights of JTTX was Indonesian Tourism Promotion Bureau participation with a large delegation. The stall of Indonesia has attracted huge crowd. More than 165,000 Saudis visited Indonesia in 2018. Tunisian cultural programs also impressed the visitors. Senior diplomats of some of countries also visited the show.
