The Riyadh Travel Fair, the largest tourism travel fair of its kind in Saudi Arabia, opened yesterday (April 15) with more than 200 exhibitors marking an 18 per cent increase compared to last year’s event.

The event, representing 48 countries, was opened by Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh, at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. The sixth edition of the exhibition is taking place over four days, from April 15 to 18.

The Riyadh Travel Fair is open to both travel professionals and the general public and is expected to attract an anticipated increase of 20 per cent in the number of visitors, taking the 14,000 visitors experience during the 2013 edition to 20,000 visitors at this year’s event.

Bander Al Gryni, general manager at event organisers ASAS Exhibitions, said: “The Riyadh Travel Fair has become the preeminent travel and tourism event in the kingdom, and we are proud that an increasing number of exhibitors has joined representing local, Gulf, Arab and international destinations.”

Visitors to the event will be able to directly engage with numerous exhibitors representing various tourism organizations, tourist boards, travel operators and agencies, as well as hotels, international airlines and wellness therapeutic resorts. Additionally, organisers are promising many surprises throughout the event.

Strategic Partners of the Riyadh Travel Fair with an extended presence at the event include the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, as well as Al Muayed Tourist & Travel Agency.

The Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities is participating with its own pavilion to highlight the attractions of the kingdom’s various regions and their potential for domestic tourism development.

Other countries to feature at the event for the first time include Mauritius, Seychelles, Australia, Singapore and Sri Lanka. – TradeArabia News Service