Saudi Arabia shows robust growth

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's tourism sector is growing at a robust rate of 30 per cent, with the volume of the kingdom's tourism market estimated at 80 billion riyals (Dh78.31 billion), according to a leading figure in the tourism sector.

"This does not include the fast-growing religious tourism sector," said Dr. Nasser Aqeel Al Tayyar.

In a press briefing this week, Dr Al Tayyar, president and managing director of Al Tayyar Travel and Tourism Group, said the Saudi tourism sector growing an average rate of 30 per cent is a telling example of the kingdom's vast tourism potential and investment-friendly environment, coupled with political stability and a vibrant economy.

The huge inflow of foreign capital and investments in the tourism sector by both Saudis and other Arab nationals as well as foreign investors have fuelled growth.

"The travel and tourism industry has gained prominence among national industries and proved to be a great source of national income. There is also promising future for domestic tourism in the kingdom," Dr Al Tayyar said

He pointed out that religious tourism flourishes during the Haj and Umrah season, and the Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha holidays.

Dr Al Tayyar, who is the founder of one of the biggest travel and tourism companies in the kingdom, expects increased private sector participation to benefit the tourism sector over the next few years.

Dr Al Tayyar said that the Supreme Commission of Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) has played a pioneering role in spurring the growth of tourism in the kingdom.

"SCTA has introduced several new rules and regulations as well as provisions aimed at promoting domestic tourism, improving quality of tourism services and attracting more investments into this sector."

As part of promoting and further opening up of this vital sector, which was hitherto restricted to religious tourism, SCTA has introduced a raft of measures. The commission has opened four colleges for tourism and hotel management in Riyadh, Madinah, Taif and Al Hasa.

Addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone of Al Hasa college, Prince Sultan Bin Salman, head of SCTA, said that these colleges will strive to create a new generation of professionals qualified to manage the kingdom's vital tourism and hotel industry.

"We are keen to provide world class training in various sectors of travel and tourism as well as in hospitality and hotel management sectors to the young generation," he said.