The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) announced the schedule of the Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market (STTIM-2012) in a press conference held at its headquarters.

STTIM-2012 is organized by SCTA under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Sattam bin Abdul Aziz, Amir of Riyadh region, from April 2 to 5, 2012, and is scheduled to take place in the Riyadh International Exhibition Center in the capital.

Addressing the media in the press conference in which the schedule of events were announced, His Excellency Abdullah Al Jehani, Vice President of SCTA for Tourism Sector, at the outset thanked HRH Prince Sattam bin Abdul Aziz, Governor of Riyadh Province, for his precious patronage to the event.

Al Jehani said that the forum, which is held under the theme, “Tourism for All - towards an effective partnership for sustainable development,” in its 5th session, has reached an enhanced success, which is reflecting in the largest number of companies and institutions wishing to participate in its activities.

He cited in this regard, a significant increase in the reservation of exhibition space this year, more than 80 percent compared with last year. Also an increase in exhibition space up to more than 15 percent compared with the same period, in addition to the large number of applications received by the Executive Committee of the forum to participate in the forum.

Vice President of SCTA for Tourism Sector explained that the Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market (STTIM-2012), is the gathering of Saudi Tourism Associations, and it is intended for companies and organizations that serve the Saudi tourism and the national tourists.

Al Jehani appreciated the efforts of Riyadh International Exhibition Center for participating in the organization of the event, as well as in marketing forum’s accompanied exhibition.

“STTIM-2012 comes in line with the efforts of SCTA in highlighting tourism as an economic sector. The session will discuss a number of issues related to integrated tourism experience, tourism transport, including tourism investment,” added Al Jehani.

Extending his invitation to the citizens, Al Jehani said, “All are invited to attend the forum’s accompanied exhibition, which will take place in the Riyadh International Exhibition Center.” He also invited them to participate in the tourism trips which will be organized during the events.

On the other hand, a number of sponsorship agreements were concluded on the sidelines of the press conference on Sunday.

The most important sessions and events in the STTIM-2012 include 7 different scientific sessions, highlighting of Jazan Province tourism experience by HRH the Governor of Jazan, 13 different workshops, a number of heritage events, Tourism Excellence Awards ceremony, the “Profession Day,” and the Hosted Buyers Program.