Tourism activities during 2007 garnered more than SR1.3 billion in profits and provided more than 4,000 permanent and temporary job opportunities, according to a report by the Supreme Commission for Tourism. The report said more than five million people attended 33 festivals and more than 175 other activities in 2007, a growth of a whopping 600 percent compared to 2005. “The events sponsored by the commission had accomplished many economic and social benefits where they were held,” said Hamad Al-Sheikh, general manager of tourism products and programs at SCT. “Many new themes had been developed, like motor sport and folk shops.” “We aimed to give tourists new sites to visit by holding many events in all seasons, like Eid or the mid-year vacation, in addition to weekends and not only in the summer.” The private sector made its own contributions in organizing the events, adding quality and economic growth, he added. “We also have partners who helped us create new events for the first time in the Kingdom, such as the Hail Rally, Obhur Tourism Festival, spring vacation festivals, Jizan Winter Tourism Festival, and the Olive Festival in Al-Jauf,” said Sheikh. “Tourism festivals are good opportunities for Saudis to find jobs, especially with an increasing number of activities.” __
