The 3rd Jeddah Tourism and Travel exhibition (JTTX), which opened on Tuesday at the Hilton Hotel, has attracted more than 25,000 visitors this year.

Held under the patronage of Prince Mishaal bin Majed and organized by the Supreme Commission of Tourism and Antiquities, as well as the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), the JTTX aims to promote the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia.

Adnan Hasan Mandora, secretary general at JCCI, revealed that more than 200 exhibitors from major international and local tourism companies have participated this year, highlighting the latest developments and trends in the tourism sector.

“This exhibition is a great opportunity for travel and tourism companies to promote their businesses and exchange experiences and ideas with one another. In addition, this event is a powerful medium in which we can share with international representative our travel promotion programs and highlight the provisions of our tourism industry,” he added.

The secretary general stressed the importance of the JTTX in providing an engaging forum for representatives from different countries and companies to discuss issues related to the industry.

“It is very important to develop bridges of communication with all employees across the travel and tourism sectors in order to achieve a thriving and vibrant domestic tourism industry. Different attractive offers will be discussed with major travel companies to connect them with local companies, thereby enhancing this sector and contributing to the Saudi economy,” he explained.

Mandora also highlighted how tourism is a vital economic resource, which contributes effectively in increasing the GDP of many countries around the world and creates job opportunities.

He also took advantage of the occasion to thank Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal and Prince Mishaal bin Majed for their continued support in developing the Kingdom’s tourism industry and improving domestic tourism.

Maya Bint Hassan Halfawi, director of the exhibition’s organizing committee, said the participation of a number of companies covering all sectors of tourism, reflects the importance of the commercial and touristic city of Jeddah.