Saudi Arabia at 10th International Tourism and Investment Forum in Egypt

Elaf's marketing team prepared two professionally-designed platforms complete with video and audio equipment to showcase the group's products and services. The event provided a good opportunity for Elaf to widen its understanding of the latest market needs of the travel and tourism industry.

"The Forum was an excellent venue to explore and unveil the latest developments in Arab and international tourism. It also allowed us to affirm our leadership in the Saudi market and our favorable status in the Arab tourism and hospitality sectors. It was particularly rewarding to interact with existing and prospective partners in Egypt,"

said Ziyad Bin Mahfouz, President, Elaf Group of Companies.

The 10th International Tourism and Investment Forum highlighted the tourism potential and rich cultural heritage of Arab states, and encouraged industry development of specializations in travel and pilgrimage. It also promoted the significant role being played by tourism in enhancing mutual understanding between peoples and improving Arab economies. A key objective of the Forum was to share ideas and experiences among regional and foreign companies and businesses focusing on specific tourism programs and Umrah services.

Elaf Group of Companies is a fully integrated organization providing a complete line of hotel, travel, tourism, Hajj and Umrah services. The Group, which has been consistently named as one of the top 100 corporations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, intends to significantly increase the number of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims within the next three years. Elaf Hotels manages 1,400 rooms serving the Makkah, Madinah Munawarah and Jeddah areas.

Four new hotels with 1000 rooms are joining the Group in 2009, with four major hospitality developments featuring 4,800 rooms expected to open in 2012. Elaf Group is a subsidiary of the Saudi Economic and Development Company (SEDCO).