meetings: sttim saudi arabia 2012
Hilton and Fairmont all opened hotels to capitalise on growing demand for accom- modation from both leisure and business travellers. InterContinental Hotels Group, Al Hokair Group, Rezidor Hotel Group and Wyndham Hotel Group all have properties in the Kingdom. Domestic tourism is another key area
that the Saudi authorities are focusing on. The BMI report revealed that most nationals often take holidays in other Middle Eastern countries, with a relatively small number staying in the Kingdom. Between 2009 and 2014, the number of Saudis travelling abroad is expected to rise to 10.7 million from 8.19 million. Meanwhile, international tourism expen- diture is forecast to hit US$8.47 million. The government also hopes events like STTIM will encourage the domestic travel industry to keep pushing domestic holidays to nationals.
FESTIVAL SPIRIT
Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia's tourism authori- ties stepped up their marketing strategy by announcing plans to hold festivals throughout the Kingdom. Sports, enter- tainment and cultural festivals were held for all age groups last year, demonstrat- ing the organisers' ability to stage large- scale events for locals and visitors alike. Adding further tourist attractions to the Kingdom, the SCTA plans to open four new provincial museums in Bahah, Tabuk, Hail and Dammam. An additional 40 museums that will highlight Saudi's heritage and antiquities are also planned. On the international front, SCTA was present on the Saudi Arabia pavilion for
SOME OF THE KINGDOM'S ARCHAEOLOGICAL ARTEFACTS HAVE IMPRESSED THE WORLD
five months during the Shanghai World Expo 2010. The event, which gave partici- pating countries the opportunity to show- case their respective culture, economy, scientific research and technology, attracted more than 30,000 people per day. Further raising the Kingdom's profile, the SCTA organised the Saudi Archaeo- logical Masterpieces exhibitions show- casing its heritage in museums and foundations around the world to highlight Saudi's rich culture and history. Some
STTIM HIGHLIGHTS LOCAL CULTURE IN ITS 'SHOW WITHIN A SHOW'
320 archaeological artefacts, most of which reside in Riyadh's National Museum, have been on display in several countries: the Louvre, France; the Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, Russia; the Caixa Foundation, Barcelo- na, Spain; and the Pergamon Museum, Berlin, Germany. Several discoveries from recent excavations are on show. The relics span several historic periods, from the Stone Age (one million years BC) up to the Saudi Renaissance.
STTIM facts & figures
¥ STTIM is an annual event for the travel and tourism industry ¥ First launched in 2008
¥ 2012 STTIM dates are April 2 to 5
¥ The venue is: Ryadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre
¥ STTIM is organised by the Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities (SCTA)
¥ STTIM 2011 visitor numbers reached 7,000, 25 percent up on 2010
¥ The 2012 event is expected to grow further
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