Investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia's nascent but high potential tourism sector will be unveiled at the first Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market conference to be held here next week. “STTIM 2008 highlights the importance of the travel and tourism sectors to the Kingdom's economy and future plans,” said Prince Sultan Bin Salman, secretary general of the Supreme Commission for Tourism, which is organizing the event. “The event is an expression that tourism is everyone's business and they should make the most of it,” said Prince Sultan. “Investors, trade practitioners, business and government are now able to convene to a single forum which connects stakeholders to the opportunities within this industry. Riyadh Emir Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz will inaugurate the three-day conference that will address existing and new strategies for business and industry participation in the tourism industry. A selection of international tourism experts will present 25 papers at the conference, which also includes workshops and an exhibition on the sidelines. From a camel procession to Saudi folkloric dances and display of Saudi handicrafts and workmanship, SCT has scheduled several cultural and heritage activities for next week alongside the conference. Prince Sultan said the local tourism industry outlook is long-term and includes a plan to educate the public, particularly the business sector, on the importance of museums and preserving the Kingdom's historical artifacts. SCT has plans to develop the Najran region, specifically, Farasan Island and the Fayfa Mountains. “An airport will be built soon in Farasan Island to link it to the world,” Prince Sultan said during a recent visit to the Najran region. __
