Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Participants at the Travel and Tourism Pioneer Forum have agreed that social media can contribute greatly in introducing different cultures and urged investors in tourism to make use of this tool to boost their investments. Marketing specialists at the event agreed that the new media has surpassed traditional media in promoting tourism through exploring different cultures. Through focusing on social media travel, tourism have witnessed a growth of 50 percent, specialists added. To increase social media efficiency, specialists advised marketing agencies to focus on positive sides of tourism in different target countries.

The TTPF was organized in Riyadh with the participation of 75 exhibitors from 30 countries. Visitors were offered the chance to get prizes for a total value of SR400,000. Prizes included tickets, hotel bookings, free English courses and $10,000 for one winner to attend the World Cup in Russia.

TTPF is a yearly event organized by Al-Awsat Expo under the patronage of Prince Dr. Saif Al-Islam Bin Saud Bin Abdullaziz Al Saud. The event targets decision-makers and tourism leader in Saudi Arabia. It allows investors to communicate with companies, develop businesses, enhance relationship with visitors, exchange knowledge, contribute to the development of culture, market products and enhance customer experience. The event included participants from government agencies, travel agencies, banks, car rentals, hotels, resorts, and airlines.