Winners of the Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards pose with their trophies at the Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market in Riyadh, Monday. (Courtesy photo) RIYADH: The first ever Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards (SETA) were presented by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) at a ceremony held as part of the ongoing Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market (STTIM) in Riyadh, Monday. The awards, which are aimed at recognizing above average achievements by individuals and organizations involved in the Kingdom's growing tourism industry, were handed out by SCTA President Prince Sultan Bin Salman. Prince Sultan praised the winners and hoped that the prize would give them a new impetus to achieve more by participating in various activities in the Kingdom's tourism sector. “The SCTA will always support the tourism industry with all possible means,” said Prince Sultan. With 25 categories across eight different groups of activities, the awards are meant to motivate organizations and individuals to achieve the highest possible standards of products and services and to further develop tourism for the benefit of holiday makers visiting Saudi Arabia's growing tourist attractions. The SCTA President Award went to Prince Mansour Bin Miteb, Minister of Municipality and Rural Affairs, for his significant contribution to the development of tourism in the Kingdom. SETA's Best Tourism Attraction award went to Old Council Souk in Al-Mozanab in Al-Qassim that takes tourists back to the old days in the Kingdom giving them a truly Saudi heritage experience. The souk operates every day, contributing jobs and income to the local economy. Old Council Souk attracts thousands of tourists each year and is an example to other organizations of the benefits of quality tourism projects. Al-Khobar Heritage Village won SETA's Best Traditional Food and Catering award. The Village provides visitors with an interesting insight into Saudi culture and heritage. During 2010 Al-Khobar Heritage Village obtained ISO international quality certification. The Village has been selected by many high profile groups for entertainment due to its authentic Arabian ambiance. Madina-based Jawlah Tours Company was the winner of SETA's Best Tour Operator, largely in view its offers that covers an extensive range of historical and geographical heritage tours to tourists. Al-Faisaliah Hotel won the award under Best Luxury Hotel, Al-Faisaliah Shopping Mall (Best Shopping Experience) and The Globe got the award as Best Fine Dining Restaurant. Makkah-based Mobarrat Shohada, managed by AKMC and Avail Grand Hotel & Suite shared SETA's Best Domestic Hotel award. Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Emir of Riyadh Region, inaugurated Sunday the Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market (STTIM) 2011 organized by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA). Prince Salman said the development of national tourism would contribute to the country's national economy. “The rich resources and assets in the Kingdom contribute to the development of domestic tourism and are a cornerstone for bolstering the citizens' ties with their homeland,” he said. Prince Salman also opened the exhibition running on the sidelines of the STTIM, which features the participation of over 120 companies dealing with the tourism industry.
