عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Business

Saudi Tourism Forum Launches its Second Edition

The opening session of the Saudi Tourism Forum (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The opening session of the Saudi Tourism Forum (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
TT

Saudi Tourism Forum Launches its Second Edition

The opening session of the Saudi Tourism Forum (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The opening session of the Saudi Tourism Forum (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The second edition of the Saudi Tourism Forum (STF) began Monday under the auspices of Visit Saudi at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition between Jan. 22 and 24.

The Saudi Tourism Ministry hosts the Forum with the Saudi Tourism Authority, Tourism Development Fund, and the Red Sea Authority. It brings together STA representatives with more than 100 other representatives of top destinations, airlines, hotels, travel and tourism companies, and tour operators.

The Forum, organized by 4M Events, aims to enrich the tourism sector, exchange experiences and ideas, and strengthen the partnership between the government and private sectors.

It seeks to provide investment opportunities for companies and investors in the sector and consolidate Saudi Arabia's position as a global tourist destination.

It also presents key projects in the field and discusses events and the industry's future.

CEO and member of STA Board of Directors Fahd Hamidaddin revealed the achievements of the tourism sector by the end of September 2023.

Hamidaddin said that by the end of September 2023, spending from domestic tourism increased to $23 billion, and about $27 billion was spent on inbound tourism.

He added that the new airline seats in 2023 reached 10 million after Wizz Air launched 21 new routes, contributing to 253,000 visits annually and spending $506 million.

Tourism products increased from 200 to 1,500 in 2023 in response to the target groups' increasing demand and diverse requirements.

The official also indicated that 17 travel agencies were added in 2023, adding approximately two million trips annually.

Regarding developing the tourist experience, Hamidaddin explained that more than 70 improvements have been made in the visitor experience through coordination with public and private partners of Visit Saudi.

The new improvements include providing information signs in the Chinese language at airports, meeting some special requirements for travelers from India and China, and ensuring that hotels are prepared for some special requirements for the winter and summer seasons.

The Authority now provides services in 12 languages through more than 18 channels, such as WeChat and applications used in China.

It also allocated 45 phone numbers to help visitors and a special contact number for partners, which has processed more than 57,000 calls since its launch.

Last summer, the service satisfaction rate reached 95 percent.

By Q2, Hamidaddin explained that a dedicated dashboard will be provided to businessmen through business intelligence to highlight visits and expected spending from major markets over the next three years.

He stated that Visit Saudi launched the loyalty Saudi Rewards program, which allows visitors to earn points. It focuses on events and experiences and ensures that partners receive information in a personalized manner.

The program includes 168 partnerships, more than 100,000 registered customers, and strategic partnerships, including Riyadh season.

Also, at the Forum's opening session, the chairman of the Organizing Committee, Hamza Nasser, indicated that the second edition is the result of the partnership with the Visit Saudi platform.

Nasser announced that the number of tourists increased in the Kingdom during 2023.

According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), the number of tourists rose by 156 percent compared to 2019, and domestic tourism has achieved unprecedented numbers in recent years.

Most Viewed

 
 
Business

The Future of Revenues in Syria: Challenges and Opportunities for the Interim Government

A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)
A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)
TT
TT

The Future of Revenues in Syria: Challenges and Opportunities for the Interim Government

A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)
A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)

Syria faces significant challenges as discussions intensify about the post-Bashar al-Assad era, particularly in securing the necessary revenues for the Syrian interim government to meet the country’s needs and ensure its sustainability. The widespread destruction of the economy and infrastructure poses a dual challenge: rebuilding the nation while stimulating economic activity and ensuring sufficient financial resources for governance.

Currently, the interim government relies heavily on international and regional support during the transitional phase. Donor countries are expected to provide financial and technical assistance to help rebuild institutions and alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.

However, as the country transitions, external support alone will not suffice. The government must identify sustainable revenue sources, such as managing natural resources, imposing taxes, and encouraging foreign investments.

Opportunities from the Syrian Diaspora

The Syrian diaspora is seen as a significant economic resource, contributing through remittances or involvement in reconstruction projects. However, realizing these opportunities requires the establishment of strong, transparent institutions, effective resource management, and a clear strategic plan to rebuild trust with both local and international communities.

Securing revenues for the interim government is not merely a financial challenge but also a test of its ability to lead Syria toward stability and prosperity.

Securing Economic Resources

Nasser Zuhair, head of the Economic and Diplomatic Affairs Unit at the European Policy Organization, stated that the interim government, currently led by Mohammed al-Bashir, may replicate its revenue-generating models from Idlib. Resources in Idlib were drawn from temporary measures that are insufficient for sustaining a national economy like Syria’s.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Zuhair explained that these resources included taxation, fuel trade with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)-controlled areas, international aid for displaced persons in Idlib, remittances from the Syrian diaspora, and cross-border trade facilitated by Turkiye.

“The interim government believes that sanctions relief is a matter of months, after which it can begin to establish a sustainable economy. For now, it will rely on the same resources and strategies used in Idlib and other controlled areas,” Zuhair added.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the former regime’s reliance on illicit revenues, such as drug trafficking and Captagon production—estimated to account for 25% of government revenues—the interim government has several potential avenues for generating revenue.

International Aid

Zuhair emphasized that cross-border humanitarian aid indirectly supports local economies. “The current government understands that international and regional aid will be substantial in the coming period, particularly for refugee repatriation and infrastructure development,” he noted.

He added that efforts to secure funding from the Brussels Conference, which allocates about $7 billion annually to support Syria, will be critical. Strengthening ties with regional and European countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Germany, and the UK, is also a priority. However, securing such aid depends on establishing a political framework where Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) does not dominate governance.

He further noted that international and regional support will likely remain a key revenue source for the interim government, including humanitarian and developmental aid from organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank.

Taxes and Tariffs

Zuhair highlighted taxes and tariffs as essential components of the government’s revenue strategy. This includes taxing local economic activities, customs duties on cross-border trade, and fair taxes on merchants and industrialists in major cities like Damascus and Aleppo.

“The government can also impose income, corporate, and property taxes while improving border management to maximize revenue from customs and tariffs,” he added.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Syria’s vast and fertile agricultural lands present an opportunity for revenue generation, Zuhair underlined, explaining that taxes on agricultural products could contribute to state income. However, this sector faces logistical challenges and high production costs. By directing the agricultural sector toward self-sufficiency, the government could reduce dependence on imports and create surplus revenue, he remarked.

Additionally, managing natural resources such as oil and gas could provide a significant revenue stream if the government gains control over resource-rich areas like northeastern Syria, the official noted.

Reconstruction

Reconstruction presents another potential revenue source. International companies could be encouraged to invest in rebuilding efforts in exchange for fees or taxes. Public-private partnerships with local and foreign firms in sectors such as infrastructure and housing could also generate significant funds.

Remittances from the Diaspora

Zuhair stressed the importance of remittances from Syrians abroad, estimating that these transfers could reach $2 billion annually by 2025. Encouraging the diaspora to send funds to support family members and rebuild properties will be a key priority for the government.

Domestic Investments

The interim government has shown its ability to attract domestic investments in real estate, industry, commerce, and agriculture, despite international sanctions. According to Zuhair, leveraging Türkiye as an international gateway, the government could expand this model across Syria, taking advantage of the challenging economic conditions left by the previous regime to draw reasonable investments in its first year.

Tourism and Small Businesses

Revitalizing the tourism sector could directly contribute to revenue, he added, noting that restoring historical and cultural sites, once security and stability are achieved, will attract visitors and generate income.

In addition, encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises will help revive the economy and create jobs, Zuhair emphasized, pointing that supporting manufacturing industries could provide a sustainable revenue stream.