Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi ambassador to the United Kingdom, on Tuesday opened the Kingdom’s pavilion at the World Travel Market 2017 (WTM) in London with the participation of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) and other government and private entities.

This came in the presence of several officials from the participating delegations and the cultural attaché in the United Kingdom, Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Maqshi, the commercial attaché, Bandar Rida, and guests of the opening ceremony.

Bin Nawaf visited the Kingdom’s pavilion where he was briefed on the fair and the participating pavilions including pictures and video presentations on tourism, archaeology and heritage in the Kingdom.

He noted the participation of the SCTH and other governmental and private sectors. “This confirms the consolidation of bridges of communication in the international platforms and the keenness to introduce the historical and cultural depth of the Kingdom and its cultural, heritage and tourism diversity,” he said.

The vice president of marketing and programs at the SCTH, Abdullah bin Abdul-Malik Al-Murshid, said the Kingdom’s participation in the World Travel Market enhances the Kingdom’s global presence in this exhibition.

“It is an opportunity to emphasize the importance of tourism and national heritage as an economic industry. The participation is an opportunity to attract tourism investments from international markets, as well as enabling Saudi companies to participate in the development of their services and products,” he said.

The deputy chairman of the SCTH for support, Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh, said that the Kingdom’s share of tourism will witness great growth as this comes “in conjunction with the launch of a series of initiatives including tourist visas, which are expected to be launched after completion of arrangements with the appropriate authorities