The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiques (SCTA) has honoured the Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC) for its ongoing efforts in promoting meeting, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions (MICE) sector in the kingdom.

The honour was in conjunction with REC’s participation as a strategic partner of the second Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions Forum held in Riyadh recently.

Prince Sultan Bin Salman, president, commended SCTA for its continuous efforts in activating and boosting the pivotal role of the MICE industry in driving economic and tourism growth while also contributing to the industry’s infrastructure development across the kingdom.

Prince Saud Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal Bin Abdulaziz said: “REC has always been committed to employing all competences to develop the conference and exhibition industry by supporting and activating channels of communication among local and foreign companies to address government efforts. We are keen to leverage on the best-in-class international expertise, knowledge and experiences from across leading business sectors.

“Today, we call to intensify the efforts to develop the MICE sector, which is poised to offer great benefit in terms of increasing effective communication, exploring job opportunities, disseminating knowledge, and professional practices while contributing towards building relations and exchanging cultures with other countries.

“There is a need today for a comprehensive plan to improve the industry to be at par with global standards, especially when the local economy performance competes and even exceeds that of many international markets.”

The forum featured the latest trends in the conference and exhibitions industry. It discussed the development of the industry’s organisational structure while exploring investment opportunities to establish and operate conventions, exhibitions and professional development centres.

The event further shed light on the Saudi Arabian cities of great competence to host world-class conventions and exhibitions. The event also discussed the necessary steps needed to reach set objectives. - TradeArabia News Service