The National Program for Conferences and Exhibitions reported that 1,289 events were licensed during the third quarter, an increase of 16% compared to the same period in 2016, The events included conferences, forums, workshops, meetings, training courses, and trade, consumer, and promotional exhibitions. This was the result of improvements to the industry’s regulatory and organizational environment, the streamlining of visa procedures for exhibitors and speakers, and the development of the capabilities of industry professionals.
80% Satisfaction with Service Quality
A report issued by the program highlighted the achievements made during the third quarter of 2017, noting a satisfaction rating of (80%) for service quality. Program officials, in collaboration with partners from the Ministry of Commerce and Investment and the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, conducted 40 field visits to evaluate business activities, while issuing 21 warning and penalty decisions and suspending 17 unlicensed business activities in accordance with the regulations.
Riyadh Accounts for 48% of Events
The report indicated that the Riyadh region accounted for (48%) of the events held, the Makkah region for (31%), and the Eastern Province for (16%). The following economic sectors: education, technology and communications, healthcare, economy and trade, and consumer goods and retail accounted for (67%) of the business events held.
Enhancing Digital Communication
The report noted that the program’s online portal contributed to accelerating and improving services, with an average of (6,965) monthly visits to the portal, and (263) new accounts were registered on the portal during the reporting period, bringing the total number of registered accounts on the program’s portal to (3,280), an increase of (9%) compared to the total number of registered accounts at the end of the second quarter of 2017. These include exhibition and conference organizers, private-sector institutions, training centers, chambers of commerce and industry, professional, scientific, and charitable associations, exhibition and conference venues, and eventin hotels.
Launch of the “Mubashir” Instant Messaging Service
To improve communication with users of the program’s services, the “Mubashir” instant messaging service was launched in the “Your Voice Is Heard” section, where (263) conversations took place, The program also issued (493) messages in response to investor inquiries and provided (169) professional consultations to business event organizers.
Engineer Tariq Abdulrahman Al-Issa, Executive Director of the National Program for Exhibitions and Conferences, emphasized that direct support from His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, President of the General Authority for Tourism and National Heritage and Chairman of the Program’s Supervisory Committee, as well as the members of the and the cooperation of partners have contributed to the continued success of many of the program’s initiatives. This has led to new heights in the Saudi meetings industry, which is a major driver of growth for the national economy, helps create job opportunities for citizens, and promotes a positive image of the Kingdom.
