October 27, 2014: The 2013 edition of the World Travel Market (WTM), the leading global event for the travel industry, successfully resulted in the generation of over SAR 13.23 billion worth of new businesses for the global travel industry. The positive response affirms the event’s role as a strategic platform for travel and tourism based-businesses, organizations and government agencies to explore potential business opportunities—connecting them with the right buyers and increase return-on-investment (ROI). In line with this, the Elaf Group of Companies, a key player in Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry, has revealed its participation at this year’s edition of WTM 2014, which will be held from November 3 to November 6, 2014 in London, UK. During the event, the Elaf Group will throw the spotlight on the significant contributions it has made in the move towards further developing Saudi’s tourism industry, while also increasing awareness on Saudi’s attractive tourism offerings.

Participating under the umbrella of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), Elaf Group representatives will be sharing the Saudi tourism experience in a step towards increasing the company’s business and promoting the country’s tourism image. Most importantly, the Elaf team will showcasing its services to potential Muslim clients—encouraging them to visit the Holy City of Makkah for their Umrah or Hajj pilgrimage and to also visit the Holy Mosque in the city of Madina.

Ziyad Bin Mahfouz, President, Elaf Group of Companies, said, “We are participating at WTM for the first time this year due to the success and positive results that it has achieved over the last few years. In fact, last year’s edition of WTM generated 54.64 per cent of direct purchasing activities for exhibitor’s services, further reflecting a 23.55 per cent influence on participants—reaching out particularly to its key target audiences. With these points in mind, we are confident to be representing Saudi tourism and play a major part in achieving the goals set for tourism for religious as well as in-bound tourism purposes.”

“Elaf will showcase all its properties in the Kingdom and we will also contribute to show that the Saudi tourism is able to provide and fulfill the needs of international travelers coming to Saudi Arabia. Elaf Group, as a major key player in the industry, will emphasize on the attractive features and unique selling points of the industry and its capability to meet the needs of international and multinational travelers coming for business or for religious goals,” he concluded.