Individuals and companies in the Saudi Arabian tourism and hospitality industries are set to be recognised for improvements made in service and facilities in Riyadh next year.

The fourth Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards (SETAs) will be accepting online nominations from mid-November, said a statement.

The SETAs, which are staged under the direction of the Saudi Voyager and Terhal magazines, are also designed to help improve overall performance and to enhance the skills of those working in the sector.    

Majed Al Sheddi, editor-in-chief of Saudi Voyager and Terhal, said: “With the guidance of the Saudi Commission of Tourism and Antiquities, this year we have added a new element to the SETAs in the form of regional heats which will allow entrants to compete at a local level with businesses and industry personnel of a similar stature.

To support the regional heats, another enhancement being introduced is a complete redesign of the award’s website in both its look and the way nominations and voting are conducted.

“The regional heats are a great opportunity for hotels, furnished apartments, restaurants and tourism attractions outside of the main cities, as well as the people working within them, to secure recognition for above average performance or new facilities and services they may have introduced,” said Al Sheddi.   

The website will open for online nominations on November 15, which will close on January 16. Regional winners will receive their certificates by January 30.

Voting for national finalists will close on February 28, judges will meet on March 17 and the winners will be awarded at a ceremony on April 2 in Riyadh. - TradeArabia News Service