RIYADH: The Kingdom’s tourism sector was showing rapid growth, which has translated into greater investments and job creation, according to Prince Sultan bin Salman, head of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH).

Prince Sultan, who made the comments at the 9th Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market (STTIM) in Riyadh on Sunday, also praised Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for supporting the sector and preventing a bubble from being created in the industry, according to a report in a local publication.

Prince Sultan said the government has improved tourism infrastructure countrywide, set up development companies, increased investments, enhanced service quality and diversified tourism products.

He said the government’s vision has extended beyond merely providing recreational facilities, but setting up an integrated tourism industry. This has been achieved by regarding citizens as important partners in the process.

Prince Sultan said the SCTNH had launched 232 initiatives as part of its overhaul of the industry, most of which have already been completed. The tourism sector has increased from SR36.5 billion in 2005 to SR85.5 billion in 2015. Spending on domestic tourism flight has also increased from SR55 billion in 2005 to SR105 billion in 2015, he said.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar, chairman of the region’s tourism development council, opened the forum at the Riyadh International Exhibition Center on Sunday.

Speaking on the occasion, Gerald Lewis, chairman of the World Travel and Tourism Council, said that the Kingdom has made huge efforts to develop travel and tourism. He said tourism played a huge role in the regional and global economy.

He said that the World Travel and Tourism Council has 44 chairpersons and chief executives in all relevant areas of the industry, and has created 2,284 jobs.

Earlier, Prince Bandar and Prince Sultan handed over Saudi tourism excellence prizes at the opening ceremony of the forum to 19 winners, in recognition of their efforts to develop the industry.