Peaceful Najran lures regional conference trade

The town's only hotel, the Holiday Inn Najran, is now leading the drive to boost its appeal with conference organisers.

"Najran is a perfect getaway location for business travellers as well as tourists, both from within Saudi and from other parts of the Middle East," said Mostafa Blanco, the hotel's general manager. "The regional conference business is growing steadily and destinations like Najran can expect to capitalise as this trend continues."

Situated close to the Saudi border with Yemen, Najran boasts one of the Kingdom's newest and best museums with displays on the formation of wadis and deserts, archaeological finds from the area, local crafts and tools, and photos of the area taken by Harry St John Philby, the famous diplomat, explorer and spy.

Other attractions include the 73-metre-high Najran dam, built high into the green hills that characterise the local scenery as well as the popular archaeological site of Al Okhdood, both less than half an hour away by car from the hotel.

Once a major stop on the frankincense route, Najran is also famous for its abundant gardens where peaches, apricots, apples, grapes and oranges grow.

Located 15 kilometers from Najran's well-connected airport, the Holiday Inn Najran is shaping up for more business, with banquet facilities catering for delegations of 15 to up to 600 members.

Boasting the latest A/V equipment, the hotel was recently awarded the the InterContinental Hotels Group 2003 Torchbearer Award, the company's most prestigious honour.

It's not all business, though. Offering 82 deluxe rooms and suites, as well as five villas, the hotel also provides in-room movies and satellite TV, outdoor swimming pools for adults and children, and a health club with fully equipped gym, sauna, and jacuzzi.

The Holiday Inn Najran is one of nine properties in Saudi Arabia managed by the InterContinental Hotels Group, which also operates 11 InterContinental hotels and the Crowne Plaza Jeddah.