Domestic tourism upbeat despite lack of local talent - Saudi Gazette

 There is a demand for local tourism in Jeddah and a potential capacity to absorb
 another 1,000 to 2,500 rooms, according to hoteliers during a panel discussion
 at the Hospitality Business Conclave 2016 held at Park Hyatt Jeddah on Monday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, general manager of Park Hyatt
Ashwini Kumar told Saudi Gazette that Jeddah attracts businessmen,
religious as well as local tourists from all over the Kingdom.

As for religious tourism, Kumar predicts the situation will soon
change. “Religious tourism, in my opinion, will change in the near
future because of the rise of hotels in Makkah that are affordable and
of good quality. So we are seeing a trend where more people will go
directly to Makkah, especially once the rail starts and the new airport
opens,” he said.

The one-day conclave offered an opportunity for hoteliers and experts
in the hospitality industry to meet with international solution
providers to promote their newest products and exchange ideas about the
latest trends and future prospects for hotels in the Kingdom.

The main elements customers are looking for are quick service, clean
room, and technology and wireless Internet, causing a demand for more
4-star hotels in Jeddah.

When asked if domestic tourism is reaching its potential in
attracting visitors, he said, “I think there’s more potential. The Saudi
Commission for Tourism is doing their best especially during school
holidays when they host festivals such as ‘Jeddah Ghair’ and the ongoing
shopping festival where they are expecting approximately over a million
people. There is room for hotels to work together with the government
sector in coming up with different packages to attract more local
tourists.”

He further said “we need more parks and public facilities where
families can go. This is something the infrastructure for domestic
tourism needs.”

When asked about the challenges hotel management faces in Saudi Arabia, Kumar said getting the manpower, especially for the long-term. “It’s an issue which the hospitality sector has to work with government in how we should move forward in the next 5 years in training people, how to make them understand that this is a profession where they could work not just in short-term. A job in the hospitality sector is not easy. You really have to have a passion in our industry where the customer is always right. So to have that attitude, that mindset, it takes some time for the young people.”
Since the implementation of the Saudization policy by the Ministry of Labor, hiring local talent has proven to be not as easy as expected. “Some efforts are there but it has to be taken by everybody. When we are asked to put a certain percentage of Saudis, we don’t find the people to fill in the spots,” said Kumar.
It is difficult to find Saudis who are qualified and trained, he added. “We need training, investment, and education.”

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Domestic tourism upbeat despite lack of local talent - Saudi Gazette