JEDDAH, 30 May 2003 — A three-day National Tourism Forum, which ended here yesterday, made several recommendations to boost domestic tourism and improve the standard of the Kingdom’s travel trade.
One of them was that a joint committee of the Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT) and the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI) should be formed to implement the recommendations.
The forum made a strong plea for infrastructure development, and called for the establishment of colleges, schools and training institutions in the private sector to meet the industry’s increasing demand for qualified staff.
The forum, organized jointly by the SCT and the CSCCI, generated considerable interest among both public and private sector institutions involved in the travel trade.
Prince Sultan ibn Salman, secretary-general of the SCT, said the forum realized its desired objective of sending a clear message to boost domestic tourism.
The agenda was designed to project tourism as an industry and its vital role in contributing to gross domestic product (GDP) as well as diversification of revenue resources.
More than a dozen speakers shared their experiences and participated in the various sessions that were marked by lively discussions on the problems faced by the travel trade industry.
The forum strongly recommended that regional and international experiences of the national airline, and private travel and tour operators should be collated and used for the benefit of developing the Kingdom’s domestic tourism and also encouraging tourism with neighboring countries. “Efforts should be made to organize tourism festivals across the Kingdom in a bid to attract vacationers and families from neighboring states,” a statement issued by the forum said.
It also recommended that measures be devised to encourage investment from local businessmen.
As for mobilizing investment in tourism, especially in the domestic sector, some of the participants called for a long-term pricing strategy to make general services profitable and investments less risky. They laid stress on developing infrastructure so that tourism promotion becomes an on-going and unhindered process.
Cooperation between the SCT and the private sector was also sought to streamline the travel business and make it more responsive and rewarding.
An exhibition was organized alongside the forum. Saudi Arabian Airlines and some other airlines and travel agencies took part showcasing their travel fares and tour packages.
