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Tourism chiefs in Saudi Arabia say they have invested $333m in new hotel projects in a bid to take advantage in a boom in religious tourism.
The Elaf Group, a subsidiary of Saudi Economic and Development Company (SEDCO) which serves the Saudi Arabian travel, tourism and hotel industries, has announced an expansion in its hotel offering with five hotels projects in three holy cities.
The move has been driven by a significant surge in religious tourism, which according to recent reports has achieved a 30 percent growth in the first quarter of 2009.
Elaf has particularly prepared for the new Umrah season that started in February, noting a considerable growth trend as around 3.5 million pilgrims are expected to visit the kingdom in the current Umrah season.
Religious tourism in Saudi generates around $7 billion annually according to recent reports, while the government has allocated a total of $38 billion in tourism infrastructure and transport systems, including a high-speed railway system that will link Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah - three key travel destinations in the country.
Features news, stories, and insight regarding the $18 billion and 300 million traveler worldwide faith-based vacations, cruise, and hospitality market.
About Me
- kevinjwright
- Kevin J. Wright is one of the world's most recognized religious travel and hospitality authorities. He founded and served as President of the World Religious Travel Association, the leading organization dedicated to the 300 million traveler faith tourism industry. He also served as Chairman of the World Religious Travel Expo, drawing more than 30 countries from around the world. Wright has been interviewed by the CBS Early Show, TIME Magazine, USA TODAY, Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, National Public Radio (NPR), National Geographic, Forbes Traveler, Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe, and dozens of other media outlets. He is the author of four travel guidebooks.
Faith-based Tourism
300 million travelers worldwide
