Tourism sector contributes 2.6 per cent of the Saudi economy, according to a recent report released by the Saudi Commission on Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).

The sector is also set to create 1.7 million jobs over the coming six years, said Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of SCTA.

In line with this, Ziyad Bin Mahfouz, president, Elaf Group of Companies and a member of the Makkah Tourism Development Council, said that the country’s rapidly developing tourism industry is on the right track to success—achieving continuous year-on-year growth with the prospects of gaining better results in the next few years.

Bin Mahfouz also informed that Elaf is contributing to the industry through its continuing process of expansion and opening of a yet new property such as Elaf Al Salam, in Makkah Al Mokarrama.

In addition, Elaf Group is participating at the Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market (STTIM) for the fifth year in a row. STTIM is being held from March 30 to April 4 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.

During the event, the Elaf Group will be taking part in a number of panel discussions related to timely tourism topics like safety and security in hotels and furnished apartments; the role of new transportation projects in enhancing and developing tourism sector; investment in events and festivals; how tourism associations can help the tourism sector; investment in tourism sector (current & future) and building destinations - local & international experience.

Elaf will also be participating in sessions on emerging tourism aspects like including how to maximize returns from the booking systems; exhibition and convention licencing and venue policies such as the National Program for Exhibitions and Conferences. – TradeArabia News Service