Saudi Arabia tourism officials say they are investing $333 million in new hotel projects in order to build on the momentum from booming religious tourism. The Elaf Group announced an expansion of its hotels with five new hotel projects in three holy cities. The Elaf Group is a subsidiary of the Saudi Economic and Development Company and serves the Saudi Arabian travel, tourism, and hotel industries.
The hotel expansion is driven by a big surge in religious tourism, which, according to recent reports, grew 30% in the first quarter of 2009. Elaf is strengthening its presence in three key travel destinations – Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah, with the launch of five new hotels. The government is building a high speed railway system linking these three cities.
