JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is taking part next month in the Arabian Travel Market 2011 in the United Arab Emirates as it seeks to generate an upturn in the tourist industry with visitors from the Gulf region. This 18th year of the event will see the involvement of 16 Saudi companies presenting their tourism programs, with the Kingdom's representation guided by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA). “The SCTA hopes to present the Kingdom as a suitable tourist destination for people from Gulf countries, and to support the activities of tourist trip organizers certified by the SCTA,” said Abdullah Al-Juhani, deputy head of Marketing and Media at the SCTA. “It also aims to increase visitor numbers and give a boost to travel and tourism, and encourage investment in tourism and hotel projects, and reveal the attractions and services the Kingdom offers through the 16 companies taking part in the event.” According to Al-Juhani, the Kingdom's zone at the Arabian Travel Market will be one of the largest on display and fashioned in the style of traditional Saudi architecture, drawing its inspiration from the region of Asir, with particular attention to the style found in the Rijaal Alma'. “That means door carvings in variety of colors and window lattices and furniture specific to the area,” he said. “A craftsman from Rijaal Alma' will also be there playing a traditional flute in the style of shepherds from the region.” The zone will also offer films and publications portraying traditional handicrafts, tourism pastimes and investment opportunities, as well as sites of archaeological and historical interest. Al-Juhani said that a workshop was also planned to focus on marketing the Kingdom's tourist facilities to other people of the Gulf. The event, which attracts participants from over 60 countries every year, is taking place from May 2 to 5 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center.
