Makkah: Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb met with senior investors and tourism operators in Makkah Region to assess the tourism sector's readiness ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. The meeting took place in Jeddah Chamber as part of Al-Khateeb's visit to the region, highlighting the ministry's commitment to supporting facilities and services to enhance the experience of visitors and Umrah pilgrims.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the minister emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for Saudi nationals and empowering them within the tourism sector. He also highlighted the need for facilities to register their staff, ensuring accurate data for decision-making that supports sustainable investment.
Al-Khateeb noted that the ministry is simultaneously preparing for the Ramadan and Hajj seasons, following a strategic approach to ensure full readiness before the start of each season. He noted that, in recent months and for a limited period, the ministry allowed requests to increase operational capacity and issued permits for temporary accommodations, aiming to enhance service capacity, ensure quality, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
During the meeting, the ministry highlighted the growth of tourism investments in Jeddah to boost accommodation capacity and enrich the variety of tourism experiences available in the region. Currently, 46 tourism projects worth SAR21 billion are underway and are set to add 11,000 hotel rooms. These include 15 projects supported by the ministry with a combined value of over SAR8 billion, which alone are projected to contribute 4,000 rooms.
The meeting aimed to underscore the ministry's commitment to strengthening partnerships with the private sector to accelerate tourism growth. The ministry is committed to coordinating efforts to improve service quality and enhance pilgrims' experience during the Umrah season in Ramadan, embodying authentic Saudi hospitality and reinforcing the Kingdom's position in the global tourism landscape.