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WELCOME Editorial
SENIOR EDITOR Scott Birch EDITOR Rob Morris
Studio
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Andrea Tempesta SENIOR DESIGNERS Prachi Bhaumik, Kelly Massie, Tony Santiago
PHOTO EDITOR Antonie Robertson PHOTOGRAPHER Adham Sneeh
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ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER Stefanie Morgner INTERNATIONAL SALES MANAGER Rose D'Souza SALES COORDINATOR Glenn Cruz SALES SUPPORT Kirat Sabharwal
Publishing PUBLISHER Rob Nicholas
It has been a fruitful two years for Saudi's tourism chiefs since we last pro- duced this guide. Inbound traffic, mostly comprising business travellers and hajj pilgrims, has increased 11 percent during that period, contributing SAR102 billion or US$27.1 billion (7.2 percent) to Saudi's GDP. And the figure is set to rise further, with export earnings from international travel and tourism services expected to generate SAR239 billion for the economy between now and 2019. With such growth forecast, it's easy to see why the government and Saudi tourism authorities are targeting the corporate travel market Ð especially when many of the 13.7 million visitors to the Kingdom in 2010 were business travellers. Providing further cause for optimism is the likelihood that Saudi's burgeoning meetings industry will help attract additional visitors in the months to come. The advent of more five-star hotels boasting exceptional business facilities in recent years has certainly helped establish Saudi Arabia as an ideal location to host gatherings and events.
Most hotels and meeting venues can be found in the Kingdom's biggest cities, such as Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran, with continued investment giv- ing rise to more properties and convention centres throughout the Kingdom. Such development is all part of the Saudi government's plan to establish several strong industries, including travel and tourism, while diversifying the country's economy away from oil.
Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this publication, NPI cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies contained within it. All information contained in this publication is under copyright to NPI and cannot be reproduced or transmitted in any form, without first obtaining written permission from the publisher.
Nicholas Publishing International FZ LLC PO Box 500573, Office 704, Executive Heights (Damac Building), Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 4243600 Fax: +971 4 4327505 Email:
meet@npimedia.com
Web:
www.meetmiddleeast.com
Increased attendances for events taking place at existing venues like the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center point to a growing industry that is moving in the right direction. In 2009, the Saudi Travel and Tourism Invest- ment Market exhibition attracted 4,661 visitors. One year later, the attendance figure nearly trebled to 11,768, with 14,180 people expected for the 2011 show. The meeting industry's development and continued growth potential is reflected in this latest Meet Saudi Arabia guide, which extensively covers the facilities and services available in the Kingdom. It also offers event planners in- depth analysis of and insight into Saudi Arabia's meetings industry. Readers will find details of the varied lifestyles that Saudi Arabia has to offer, with reports on its shopping, golf facilities, leisure activities and heart-pounding outdoor pursuits. In short, it is an essential guide for any meeting planner looking to host an event in the Kingdom.
Rob Morris Editor NPI Publishing
saudiarabia 2011
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