The Eastern Province recently won eight categories at the national Saudi Tourism Excellence Awards, said Abdul Lateef Al-Bonyan, executive director of the region's branch of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).
The awards were held under the patronage of Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the SCTA, on the sidelines of the Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market 2013.
The Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards are overseen by Saudi Voyager and Terhal magazines and sponsored by the SCTA. The awards recognize the outstanding performance of companies, organizations and individuals in the travel and tourism sector.
The eight winners from the Eastern Province included Al-Dhahran Complex for the best experience in shopping and entertainment. In the restaurant category, the Heritage Village in Alkhobar won the award for the best popular and most luxurious restaurant. Cacao Sambca Alkhobar won the award for the best cafe experience.
The Al-Khalifa Museum in Al-Ahsa won the award for the best museum; Park Inn Radisson in Alkhobar for the best four-star hotel; Alkhobar Beach — Movenpick Hotels & Resorts for the best specialized hotel; and Abdul Mohsin Al-Hokair Group for its excellent contribution to tourism.
Ali Al-Agnam from Al-Jubail Intercontinental won the award for the best tourism sales officer.
Al-Bonyan said he presented the awards to Prince Saud bin Naif, governor of the Eastern Province and chairman of the Tourism Development Council in the region, and his deputy, Prince Jalawi bin Abdul Aziz bin Mosaed.
This was the third year the event has been organized by Alef International for Publishing and Media to boost standards in the sector.
EP wins 8 tourism awards
