Saudi Excellence in Tourism Award winners pose for a group photo at the event in Riyadh.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar, who is also chairman of the Riyadh Tourism Development Council, and Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH), handed out trophies to Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards winners at a gala ceremony on the sidelines of the 9th Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market (STTIM-2016).

In all, 19 winners, comprising individuals and organizations, were honored under various categories in recognition of their efforts toward the development of the tourism industry in the Kingdom, an SCTNH official said on Wednesday.

The award contributes to the promotion of the hospitality and accommodation sectors, especially after it was proven to be an outstanding measure for tourism and hospitality sectors, as well as an occasion for the recognition of excellent performances by individuals and enterprises operating in the sector in the Kingdom.

The tourism award is granted by “Saudi Voyager” and “Terhal” magazines under the patronage of the SCTNH president every year. This year’s winners in the hotel category include Hotel Ibis, Riyadh (3-Star), Park Inn, Radisson, Alkhobar (4-Star), and InterContinental Hotel, Jubail (5-Star).

Other winners and categories include the Movenpick Beach Resort, Alkhobar (Resort); Boudl Apartments, Tahlia, Jeddah (Hotel Apartments and Suites); Flyin, Riyadh (Travel and Tourism Agencies); Sparkys, Dhahran Mall, Dhahran (Amusement Parks); Red Sea Mall, Jeddah (Shopping Malls); Steak House Restaurant, Riyadh (Saudi Restaurants); Buraidah Dates City, Buraidah (Tourism Sites); Theeb Car Rent, Riyadh (Car Rental); Al-Miznab Municipality, Al-Qassim (Tourism Destinations); Al-Seyahi Agency for Tours, Al-Ahsa (Tour Operators); Abdullah Ali Al-Sahli, Elaf Hotel, Makkah (Hotel Receptionist); Amina Ayil Ghinaimi, Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski, Riyadh (Hotel Service Supervisor); Ahmed Hussain Al-Abdullah, InterContinental Hotel, Jubail (Chef): Abdullah Mohammad Quaid, Rest Night Hotel for Furnished Apartments, Riyadh (Manager of Accommodation Facility); Sameer Abdullah Gumsani, Distinguished Trips Company, Jeddah (Tourist Guide); and Majed Abdullah Al-Dossari, Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski, Riyadh (Restaurant Waiter).

A jury of experts from the tourism industry, tourism colleges and Saudi Telecom Company decided the winners.

Related articles across the web

• Saudi cleric jailed for remarks in support of Iran, Hezbollah
• Saudi Arabia Detains Another Popular Shia Cleric
• Winners emerge from KSA verbal throwdown
• MWC 2016: Mirantis Rolls Out Public Cloud For Largest Middle Eastern Telco
• Saudi Arabia Puts 32 People on Trial for Spying for Iran
• Saudi Arabia puts Shi'ites accused of spying for Iran on trial
• Saudi Arabia's attempts to create Arab NATO make the West giggle
• Saudi Arabia to make Hajj major contributor to economy
• Turkmenistan, Saudi Arabia intensifying business partnership
• Durat Al Arous advances to semifinals, AVK in big win