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welcome: contents oman 2012


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COVER IMAGE: Al Faisaliah Tower, Riyadh, Fedor Selivanov / Shutterstock.com


Saudi Arabia has started 2012 on a very positive note with hotel and occupancy rates continuing to rise, reflecting the countryÕs growing tourism industry. The number of visitors arriving in the Kingdom is expected to reach 15.8 million by 2014, up from around 13 million in 2010, according to international industry consultant Business Monitor International (BMI).


The Kingdom's hospitality sector is expanding in line with this growth adding 381,000 new hotel rooms by 2015. That is 63 percent more than 2010 inventories and is mainly being driven by demand from business, religious and domestic tourists. Saudi Arabia continues to focus on its tourism industry as it looks to diversify away from its dependence on oil. Although revenues from tourism account for only 3.6 percent of current GDP, it is seen as being a key source of income for the future. The Saudi Arabian Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) has announced it aims to attract 88 million tourists by 2020 as the Kingdom focuses on developing religious tourism and business travel in particular.


Religious tourism remains the main reason for overseas visitors to Saudi Arabia. More than half of inbound visitors travel to Mecca and Medina, making it a major focus for investment in hotels and leisure development.


Saudi ArabiaÕs government is undertaking major infrastructure initiatives to provide better services to pilgrims, including the enhancement of the Holy Mosque in Mecca, as well as expanding and upgrading King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Madinah Airport, as well as an aggressive marketing strategy. The meeting industry's development and continued growth potential is reflected in this latest


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saudi arabia guide, which extensively covers the facilities and services available in the Kingdom, from exciting incentive options through to detailed information on key meeting venues in each business hub within the Kingdom.


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