80% of hotel jobs in Makkah to be Saudized - ArabNews

MAKKAH — The Ministry of Labor and Social Development branch in Makkah province is set to Saudize 80 percent of jobs in the province’s hotels and tourist resorts by the end of 2016.

The plan is scheduled to be carried out in cooperation with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) and Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf), according to Abdullah Bin Muhammad Al-Olayyan, director of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development branch in Makkah province.

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http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/80-hotel-jobs-makkah-saudized/

Number of hotel rooms in Jeddah to double by 2018

JEDDAH — The ‘Jeddah Hotel Market Overview’ report by JLL prepared ahead of The Hotel Show Saudi Arabia 2016 opening today (May 17) revealed that the current supply of 8,600 rooms (Q1 2016) in the city will double – with another 8,600 rooms forecast to be added to the market by 2018.

With a total stock of 17,200 hotel rooms estimated by 2018, major projects in the Jeddah pipeline include: The Ritz Carlton, Jeddah; Radisson Blu Al Salamah; Movenpick City Star; Elaf Galleria and Assila Hotel & Residence by Rocco Forte......

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http://saudigazette.com.sa/business/number-hotel-rooms-jeddah-double-2018/

Scholarships and jobs set for Saudi tourism students

Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) Chairman Prince Sultan bin Salman is introducing a new program in coordination with the minister of education. It will be administered through a parallel program targeting students in Saudi universities to develop scientific training routes and link them with colleges, investment and economic paths to generate employment opportunities.

At a recent meeting of the advisory board of the Faculty of Tourism and Antiquities at King Saud University, Prince Sultan stressed the importance of activating the role of the board to achieve the goal of providing employment opportunities for graduates of the college and to overcome any difficulties facing it.

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http://www.arabnews.com/news/scholarships-and-jobs-set-saudi-tourism-students

75 international hotels in the Kingdom soon - Saudi Gazette

RIYADH — International hotelier companies are expected to enter the Saudi market during the coming four years to build or operate about 75 hotels, a senior official of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) has said.

“The commission has paved the way for the arrival of these international companies through the organization and development of the hotel industry in the Kingdom,” said Salah Al-Bakheet Al-Talib, deputy chairman of the commission.

Local daily Al-Jazirah on Wednesday quoted Talib as saying that the entry of international hotel operators in the Kingdom would raise the quality of the market, enrich variety and expand available choices that would cater to the needs of tourists and visitors.

 He revealed that Schweppes, the famous hotel company, will enter the Kingdom with 40-50 hotels to be distributed among various regions. The company owns and operates major hotels in the world.

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75 international hotels in the Kingdom soon - Saudi Gazette

Halal tourism spending to reach $200b by 2020 - Saudi Gazette

 Halal tourism numbers are expected to hit 150 million in traveler’s volume and collectively spend an estimated $200 billion by 2020, revealed “Halal Travel 2016 report conducted by UK-based research firm Context Consulting and commissioned by Amadeus, and presented at Dubai’s Arabian Travel Market. 

The study gives an insight into the current needs and future expectations of this travel group whose importance is growing globally.

The Amadeus report on Halal travelers highlights three core themes that span the key drivers of travel: cultural experiences, accommodation needs, and activity preferences. These are the components of the themes.......

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http://saudigazette.com.sa/business/halal-tourism-spending-reach-200b-2020/

Saudi youth excited at recreation commission - Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Saudi youth took to social media to express their excitement at the royal decree for the establishment of the general commission for recreation.
Although the commission has not announced any plans yet, the youth have started suggesting ideas and proposing what they want.

Abeer, a Saudi woman, wished to have more playgrounds and more places for Saudi youth to practice their hobbies.

Nasser Algassabi said on twitter that entertainment is not luxury, it is a vital cultural project.

“It is not only consumers who were excited at the news. Artists, producers, directors and others working in the entertainment business are thrilled to finally have a platform which supports their work,” said a source.......

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http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/saudi-youth-excited-recreation-commission/