RIYADH: The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) will soon set up a separate body to construct, renovate and develop hotels throughout the Kingdom to promote tourism.
“We call upon members of the private sector to participate in our development programs,” SCTA President Prince Sultan bin Salman told reporters yesterday at the end of the one-day Saudi Events Industry Forum at Riyadh InterContinental Hotel’s King Faisal Hall.
Prince Sultan said private sector participation is necessary to increase the government’s revenue and provide employment opportunities to local youths. He added that plans are under way to frame a charter to establish commercial and professional bodies to promote the Kingdom’s tourism strategy, which will help develop Saudi Arabia as an important destination for global tourists.
“The location of the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah has already made the Kingdom as an important destination for Muslims around the world,” he said.
The prince said his organization is eagerly awaiting approval for the Shoura Council’s study on developing the Kingdom’s handicrafts sector. He said some regions in the Kingdom could produce handicrafts that will attract people from all parts of the world. “Each region has its own culture, heritage and handicraft industry and we must cherish and develop them for the good of the nation,” he said.
He pointed out that visitors to the national cultural and heritage festival at the Janadriya village must have witnessed the immense contributions made by local artists and craftsmen.
Prince Sultan said the SCTA would hand over the organizing part of events to the private sector in 2010. The prince honored the sponsors of 19 industry events that were successfully carried out in various parts of the Kingdom.
During the forum, discussions centered on sectors that influence the tourism industry, such as festivals, activities, conferences and exhibitions.
The SCTA holds the forum annually to enhance communication channels between industry partners from the private and public sectors, as well as to exchange experiences and information that lead to a highly competitive local event in the management industry.
