JEDDAH, 29 May 2003 — The second day of the three-day National Tourism Forum here focused on the problems facing the travel trade and discussed various measures to deal with them. Some participants said the forum did not raise or discuss some of the major problems facing the industry.
Khalil Bahadur, chairman of the Bahadur Tourism Group that specializes in Umrah and Haj services, said entry visas were one of the major problems, whether for Umrah or tourist purposes.
“Another issue pertains to the movement of Umrah pilgrims between the Kingdom’s cities,” Bahadur said during a working session. “Many issues are easily talked about but not discussed in a serious manner,” he said. “But they are important for economic development, especially for the promotion of tourism.”
Muhammad Al-Aradi, director-general of Arabian Resorts Centers Company (ARAC), spoke about the role and impact of marketing in developing tourist places. “The development of tourist facilities require careful studies,” he said.
Speakers also called upon specialized companies to organize tourist festivals.
The inaugural forum, which was opened by Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed on Wednesday with a clear message to boost domestic tourism, ends today.
