RIYADH: The number of travelers going abroad has been increasing despite tougher economic conditions, according to a local travel and tourism industry executive. However, the pilgrim travel picture in the Kingdom looks bright, he added.

“Traveling abroad has been on the up despite the economic downturn,” said Abdullah Al-Ghufaili, who is based here. This has happened because of more exhibitions and conferences being held abroad, he said.

“In the past, Saudi citizens and residents traveled for entertainment but now they travel to attend various events,” he said.

He said his company was now expanding its reach, with an agreement concluded soon with Bosnia and Herzegovina on tourist cooperation. “Bosnia is a tourist treasure. It has a natural, colorful history, bracing weather throughout the year and hospitable people,” he said.

He said there have been intense preparations to welcome guests for Umrah invited by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, which would bolster tourism in the Kingdom.

“It’s a great honor for us to serve our guest pilgrims.”

“In addition to the Umrah, the guest pilgrims will also travel to other parts of the Kingdom and attend the eighth session of the Riyadh Travel Fair,” he said.

The number of religious tourists is expected to rise from 17.5 million recorded in 2014 to between 25 and 30 million in 2025, which would be a boost to the country’s economy, economists have said.

The contribution of religious tourism to the non-oil sector of the country’s Gross Domestic Product would rise from 5.4 percent to 5.7 percent by the year 2020, it was reported.

A report from Al-Jazira Capital had been quoted by a local publication that the government has been preparing for the expected demand by investing heavily in infrastructure projects.