The event carries the theme “Tourism for All Partnership for Sustainable Development,” said the Saudi Council for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).
Abdullah bin Sulaiman Al-Jehani, SCTA vice president for media and marketing and chairman of the forum's steering committee, said the STTIM this year would address a number of issues and topics on tourism, various fields of investment in the tourism sector and issues in tourism marketing and services.
He said tourism development is not SCTA’s responsibility alone, but also the duty of various sectors, public or private, because the industry is vital for sustainable development.
Al-Jehani said that since the inception of the STTIM, the most important Saudi tourism forum, there has been a better understanding and cooperation among partners in the tourism industry as well as increased awareness that reflects the bright cultural side of the Kingdom.
“The STTIM was designed to provide a platform for dialogue in an attempt to review opportunities in the sector, as well as exchange views on issues of common concern in the tourism industry. The STTIM also aims to consolidate the concept of tourism as an industry for the economic welfare of citizens in the Kingdom,” Al-Jehani said.
The SCTA said there will be a forum on the occasion to be attended by 73 Arab and international speakers, in addition to the exhibition that has attracted the participation of 46 leading companies in the local tourism sector as well as tourism development councils.
The Tourism Excellence Awards will also be presented to the winners. The forum, comprising 12 sessions and workshops, will also cover a number of tours and heritage events.
Al-Jehani said the forum has three elements — the conference, the exhibition and accompanying events.
A new hall has been added this year, boosting the total area of the exhibition to 9,600 square meters, he added.
