Saudi Tourism Trends To Be Analyzed At MEPRA Majlis In Riyadh
By Elias Jabbe
The Middle East Public Relations Association will host its inaugural Leadership Majlis in Saudi Arabia on October 21 at the Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya after several editions in Abu Dhabi.
According to a press release distributed by MEPRA Executive Director Sabrina De Palma, the UAE-based nonprofit is dedicating the KSA MEPRA Leadership Majlis it announced in a Communicate report in January to an ‘Impact and Influence’ theme that will address topics such as tourism opportunities in Saudi Arabia, the export potential of the Saudi brand and the evolution of the media industry.
“We hope the inaugural KSA MEPRA Leadership Majlis will spark discussion and ideas and to address the most pressing topics facing the profession of public relations in the region. By bringing together leading figures in communications, both from the Middle East and internationally, the gathering is a platform to share knowledge and showcase best practice,” said MEPRA Chair Jonty Summers in the release.
Travel Talk
Following the announcement of the Saudi tourist visa last week at an event in Riyadh on World Tourism Day (September 27), Majlis attendees will enjoy a rare opportunity to learn about tourism trends in Saudi Arabia. During the aforementioned event, Ahmed Al Khateeb, Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), stated that the Saudi government aims to attract 100 million foreign and domestic visitors by 2030.
Several Majlis panels will feature leading voices in the Saudi tourism industry that are contributing to attaining that goal: SAUDIA VP of Corporate Communications Fahad Bahdailah and Red Sea Development Company Director of PR and Corporate Communications Steve Bowen.
The latter spoke with Communicate and shared a preview of his MEPRA Majlis panel that will highlight The Red Sea Project, a sustainable tourism initiative catering to luxury travelers.
“The opening of the Saudi international tourism market is a huge step toward creating new pathways to opportunity for the Saudi people and driving economic growth in an industry that contributes an estimated ten percent to global GDP. Initiatives like the Red Sea Project will play an important role in enhancing global understanding and appreciation of the rich local culture, the extraordinary hospitality of the Saudi people and the stunning natural beauty that can be found here,” said Bowen.
Other noteworthy sessions include an analysis of YouTube in Saudi Arabia and the evolution of online video by Joyce Baz, Head of PR and Communications at Google Middle East and North Africa and MEPRA Strategy Board Member.
