JEDDAH: The first International Hotel Show and Summit opened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, yesterday with an aim to boost tourism industry in the Kingdom.
The event was established by Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) with a long-term vision to boost the influx of tourists to the country.
The first day of the exhibition witnessed the attendance of many distinguished figures. One hundred and twenty exhibitors from 24 countries displayed an impressive array of hospitality products and services.
Vice President for Investors at SCTA Salah K. Al-Bukhyyet said the exhibition is the first step toward boosting the Kingdom’s tourism industry and in removing any impending obstacles for this sector’s growth.
He added that a strong hospitality sector will create valuable job opportunities for the Saudi youth and boost the construction industry as well.
"In view of the rise in international and domestic tourism, accompanied by the exponential expansion of the hospitality industry, we expect to have more than 100,000 hotel rooms and 200,000 furnished apartments by 2020. This will also generate 1 million jobs by 2016, with a growth of 25 percent," Al-Bukhyyet noted. (QNA)
