Jeddah’s summer festival attracted more than 750,000 guests to this Saudi Arabian city this year, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The festivals, which had been organized by the Jeddah Municipality, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), played a vital role in reviving tourism in the area.
Investors are eying Jeddah’s downtown historical area thanks to the high turnout of visitors during Ramadan and the summer season.
Several businessmen have reportedly been considering opening cafes and restaurants following the successful run of festivals and events held in the area.
Shops and eateries vastly benefited from the visitor influx, describing it as a pleasant surprise as they get ready to welcome thousands of pilgrims coming for Haj.
The festivals, which had been organized by the Jeddah Municipality, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), played a vital role in reviving tourism in the area, recently dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Both local and foreign tourists frequented the area, which needs to be made more family-friendly, according to experts.
For many Jeddah residents, the area helps foster business activity with pilgrims, who bring with them items from their home countries to sell.
Umrah and Haj pilgrims also hunt for souvenirs and gifts to take back home to their loved ones despite the fact that most of these items are available locally.
Umrah and Haj pilgrims also hunt for souvenirs and gifts to take back home to their loved ones despite the fact that most of these items are available locally.
Pilgrims spend an estimated SR800 million on gold and SR8 billion on gifts annually, according to local media.
