JEDDAH, 26 August — Saudi Arabia has stepped up preparations for a major conference of Arab and Islamic tourism ministers, scheduled to be held in Riyadh from Oct. 6 to 9, to discuss prospects of promoting value-based tourism and exchanging expertise in the field.
The Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT) has received confirmation from a large number of OIC tourism ministers that they would be attending the conference aimed at boosting tourism in the member states of the Organization of Islamic Conference.
Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, and chairman of SCT, is expected to inaugurate the conference.
The conference’s organizing committee under the chairmanship of Prince Sultan ibn Salman, SCT’s secretary-general, has held several meetings in preparation for the four-day event.
"The conference will discuss ways of strengthening cooperation among the 55-member OIC countries in tourism, by investing their potentials and exchanging expertise," Prince Sultan ibn Salman said.
He commended the government’s continuous support for the tourism sector and its efforts to strengthen cooperation with Arab and Islamic states.
"It is a good opportunity for OIC ministers to learn the plans and experiences of member countries in boosting the tourism sector," he said.
Prince Sultan hoped that the conference would help promote domestic tourism in the member states.
Saudi Arabia has stepped up its efforts to attract a large number of tourists from within and outside the country, by establishing new tourist projects and easing regulations.
The SCT chief said there are good prospects for Muslim countries to promote family-based tourism, by meeting the requirements of family tourists.
"The Islamic countries and peoples are looking forward to promoting value-based tourism that would reflect their culture and traditions and Islamic morals.
He described tourism as one of the fastest developing industries. "It’s one of the fastest growing economic sectors and offers a lot of employment opportunities in the Kingdom," he added.
OIC countries boast tourist attractions including historic places, antiquities and museums and enchanting natural scenes.
The last OIC conference of tourism ministers was held in Kuala Lumpur and adopted a number of resolutions to promote cooperation among member states.
