The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) sponsored 450 tourist festivals over the past five years that generated more than SR 17 billion.
In a report on its tourism programs and products, the SCTA said the number of tourist festivals rose from 20 in 2005 to 62 in 2012, while the number of visitors rose from 875,000 in 2005 to 12 million in 2012.
SCTA spent SR 59 million for festivals besides supporting marketing, preparations and media activities for festivals, the report said.
It added that the economic returns of the festivals were estimated at above SR 17 billion from activities such as tours, housing, shopping, restaurants and utilities related to tourism.
Festivals also boosted economic activities at festival sites. It noted that these festivals created more than 54,000 job opportunities.
SCTA festivals generate more than SR 17 billion
SCTA festivals generate more than SR 17 billion
