Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The number of visitors to the Eastern Province from inside the Kingdom and other GCC countries is expected to dramatically increase this year, according to a recent report by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA). The Eastern Province has become a favorite destination for tourists, a fact that has been reflected in rising hotel occupancy rates. In a short time, occupancy rates have gone up from 38 percent to 66 percent thanks to the various tourist activities the province offers for its visitors. A spokesman for real estate projects at Rashid Saad Al-Rashid & Sons Company said the province attracts 63 percent of tourists, usually families and young men, compared to the rest of the country. He said: “The province has recreational places such as beaches and malls and entertainment centers for singles and families. “No wonder it is preferred by many domestic and GCC tourists. “Moreover, a mega mall project will be completed next year in Al-Ahsa City in order to add another landmark and tourist attraction to the province.” The project will be implemented by Rashid Saad Al-Rashid & Sons.
