With the participation of more than 200 competing entities from both the public and private sectors in the field of tourism investment, and more than 30,000 visitors, including investors, interested parties, and members of the media, the Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Forum successfully concluded its proceedings last week. The 11th edition of the forum for the year 2018 was held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, where more than 120 agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed between a number of entities in the tourism sector specializing in tour operations and tourism investment, as well as the accommodation and hospitality sectors and all areas directly related to the tourism sector.
Abdullah bin Abdulmalik Al-Murshid, Vice President for Marketing and Programs at the General Authority for Tourism and National Heritage, confirmed that the forum achieved its objectives in its 11th edition, presenting a clear picture of the partnership between the Authority and both the public and private sectors, noting that over the past ten years, the forum has witnessed significant developments in terms of organization on the one hand, and in terms of tourism development and its impact on the national economy on the other, which has led to major strides in raising awareness of the importance of the tourism industry as one of the most vital pillars of the national economy.
The forum, launched under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman, President of the General Authority for Tourism and National Heritage, honored 38 winners of the Tourism Excellence Awards. It also featured an extensive three-day conference comprising more than 16 working sessions and discussions on issues and topics related to the tourism and travel industry in the Kingdom, as well as exploring ways to develop it, with the participation of more than 70 local and international officials and experts specializing in the travel and tourism investment sectors, as well as business leaders, The forum’s current session focused on attracting and stimulating tourism investment as a key economic contributor to non-oil national income and a source of job opportunities for citizens.”
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