Fatima Al-Ghamdi is one such woman who has been successful in the field. She works as supervisor of the women's branch at a leading travel company in the Kingdom. Fatima joined Al-Tayar Travel and Tourism Company after earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz University two years ago.

“Al-Tayar is the first company that opened a separate wing for women. The company offered job opportunities to graduates after starting a training program in sales, customer service, and accounting. The company was keen in arranging a separate office for women with all the required facilities in place,” she said adding that the company also conducts routine training courses that helps employees hone their skills.

Sara Abu Aisha, an economics major, works in the accounting department at Al-Tayar. She is of the view that it is essential to know the nature of people and their aptitude to work. “The travel and tourism sector is an ideal sector for Saudi women. However, because they are nascent in the field, it is essential to provide them with a comprehensive support system in the form of training and encouragement so they take up challenging positions in the sector,” she said.

According to Sara, work in the travel and tourism sector is very enjoyable.

“I hope women will take advantage of the vast job opportunities available in the travel and tourism sector across the Kingdom,” she said while urging the authorities to introduce more effective training programs for women. She also expressed her hope the authorities would allow women to travel within the Kingdom and abroad so they can acquaint themselves with major travel destinations.

Najla Othman Kamreen, booking official at Al-Tayar, claimed that their presence had contributed substantially to increasing both the number of customers as well as the company’s profits. “This is not because of the presence of women employees, but because of our innovative techniques to impress customers,” she said.

Najla, a graduate in social science, urged women graduates to come forward to take up vast opportunities available in this sector.

“Women employees are successful in attracting a large number of women customers to the company. Most often, we can help many of our women customers in planning their vacation programs by giving minute details of various tourist destinations. We can advise them about such matters as where and when to go,” she said adding that these customers enjoy freedom and frankness while talking to them.

Dr. Ali Eisa Al-Shaabi, dean of Prince Sultan College of Tourism and Administration in Abha, backed hiring women at travel and tourism offices.

“Saudi women are capable of working in almost all fields. Travel and tourism is one of the ideal sectors for them,” he said while stressing the need for setting up of more colleges and institutes to offer courses and training in the hospitality sector.