SCTA outlined its plan to support travel agencies providing tourism services at a recent high-profile workshop on the role of local tour operators in the country.
A large number of diplomats, tour operators and officials from the private sector attended the event at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the capital. The ceremony was inaugurated by Prince Sultan bin Salman, chairman of SCTA, who also posed for a photograph with the diplomats.
Addressing the event, Abdullah bin Salman Al-Jehani, SCTA vice-chairman for marketing, told the gathering Saudi Arabia’s lures are in addition to traditional attractions that bring 5 million foreigners mainly for Umrah visits alone. The Kingdom has scenic beauty spread across the country such as in Taif, Abha, Jazan, Al-Ahsa and many others, he said.
On the cultural side, the just concluded Janadriyah Festival in Riyadh has received millions of Saudis and foreigners, he added. Saudi Arabia also hosts and organizes global high-profile conferences on economics, energy, education as well as the Riyadh International Book Fair that attracted over millions of visitors including foreigners.
He said Saudi Tourism’s slogan, “An Enriching Experience,” underlines the future vision of the Kingdom regarding the tourism sector. It also incorporates these varied themes into its marketing strategy. He asked tour operators to promote the Kingdom not merely as the land of Islam but also one that is rich in social and cultural heritage as well as in terms of environmental and economic benefits while preserving its Islamic values and its genuine traditional hospitality.
Spelling out the broad outlines of the tourism promotion plan, Mohammed Al-Naraiee, chairman of the advisory committee for tour operators, said local tour operators have many advantages, including applying SCTA’s standards, a range of tourism options available at reasonable prices, besides offering new tourist destinations within the framework of a quality tourism program. A safe and friendly environment for tourists is another plus point, he added.
Al-Naraiee said a tour organizer provides package holidays, including hotel accommodation and other services through travel agents or directly to the consumer. They also provide services such as planning, arrangement, tips on sightseeing, promotion, sales and marketing of tour package. The formulation of an integrated tourism program, including arrangements for transport, hotel accommodation and tour itinerary should also be worked out, he added.
“After the commission was established, goals were identified for all stakeholders to attract our target audience. First and foremost was the need for a definite action plan involving all segments and sectors of Saudi society,” he said.
On his part, Tariq Al-Essa, a business tourism project manager who personally works to develop business tourism in Saudi Arabia, told Arab News the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector is huge in the Kingdom.
“We have already set up plans to improve the performance of this industry, and ultimately boost the national economy,” he said, adding their plan includes, but is not limited to, improving the regulatory and organizational framework, infrastructure, and marketing and PR.
Arab News spoke with some European diplomats, including Admirim Banaj of the Albanian Embassy whose country marks its centenary celebrations on Dec. 24 as well as celebrating its diplomatic relations with the Kingdom.
“On this occasion I convey my gratitude to Saudi government and people for the excellent hospitality and friendship they have shown us,” Banaj said. He said Saudi Arabia enjoys the blessings of safety and security as its hallmark. The country is also characterized by the hospitality of Saudi society, the Kingdom’s unique geographical location, a wealth of important cultural heritage and archeological sites and modern infrastructure.
These attractions could go a long way toward the development of the tourism industry, the ambassador said, while also stressing the need to overcome obstacles that impede the growth of the tourism industry. He added the tourism sector could be an important revenue stream of the national economy through a carefully planned approach.
