‘Saudi tourism in transitional stage’

Saudi’s tourism industry is currently passing through a transitional stage following the approval of the cabinet to reform the sector, said a top Saudi tourism official.

Secretary general of Higher Tourism Commission Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul-Aziz was speaking at an open meeting with tourism investors held on the fringes of the first Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market (STTIM) in Riyadh.

During the meeting, Prince Sultan bin Salman stressed on the importance of tourism in contemporary economies, noting that the contribution of the tourism sector to the national economy amounts to approximately 8.8 per cent of the Kingdom’s gross national product (GNP).

According to recent studies, 2007 exceeded expectations for international tourism with arrivals reaching new record figures close to 900 million and supporting more than 220 million jobs.

The Middle East region totaled 46 million international tourist arrivals last year. The region, he said, was emerging as a strong destination with visitor numbers climbing much faster than the world total, with Saudi Arabia and Egypt among the leading destinations in growth in 2007.

“Tourism sector is of great importance to Saudi Arabia. I see the future of the tourism sector in the Kingdom as bright and promising, and the opportunity to create jobs is enormous. According to our records, the industry is expected to create between 1.5 and 2.3 million job opportunities by the year 2020,” he added.

He indicated that the commission is introducing new initiatives and plans to attract investment to this sector.

The official also advised investors to focus on local tourism industries because ‘it is fruitful and profitable,’ arguing for the need to promote tourism culture among Saudis and to combine the economic benefit generated from the tourism sector with the Arab heritage and values. – Trade Arabia News Service

Saudi hotel industry ‘booming’

Saudi Arabia’s hotel market is growing at a rapid pace and will likely see the addition of several top-tier hospitality brands over the next decade, according to industry executives.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ‘Saudi Tourism Summit’ in Riyadh last week, the industry experts said that Hyatt, one of the world’s premier hospitality brands, was set to bring contemporary luxury to Jeddah.

“On schedule to open to the public this September, the property, which defines its offering as ‘contemporary luxury’, will make a significant impact on the upscale market currently on offer in Saudi’s second city,” said Munir Ahmed, Park Hyatt Jeddah’s newly-appointed general manager. “Jeddah is a beautiful city with a rich and magnificent history, and Hyatt is proud to be able to offer the community its global standard of excellence in hospitality, while adhering closely to the customs and traditions of its people,” he added. The stunning 142-room Park Hyatt Jeddah sits on a 140,000 sq m Equestrian complex offering unrestricted access to the Red Sea.

Situated just minutes away from the business district, this truly luxurious hotel enjoys a prime location nestled within uniquely landscaped gardens and exclusive spa recreational facilities blessed by the breeze of the Red Sea.

In addition, the hotel will feature the Park Hyatt Jeddah Spa and Wellness Center, easily the Middle East’s largest and most exclusive fitness and leisure facility, complete with Clubhouse and separate male and female access areas.

Facilities for ladies include an indoor and outdoor swimming pool/relaxation area, underwater music, aqua medic pool, ten spa and balneo-therapy treatment rooms, beauty and aesthetic lounge, gymnasium with the latest fitness technology, a hammam, a dedicated medical and nutrition consulting area, children’s playground, a lounge, and an a-la-carte restaurant that offers indoor and outdoor dining.

“The hotel’s location is just ideal, as it is built on reclaimed land off the city’s southern corniche. It is within easy reach of the city’s commercial and financial districts, shopping, and entertainment,” Ahmed explained.

“And we fully anticipate that many Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to Mecca will choose to stay with us upon arrival into Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz International Airport,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service