HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal Recognized as a Pioneer in International Tourism
8 November 2010, London, United Kingdom. Recognizing the pioneering role of HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdel Aziz, the Governor of Makkah Region in International tourism, he has been bestowed with “Leading Personality of the Year” at the World Travel Awards Grand Final ceremony held in London.
The 2010 World category winners were announced by the World Travel Awards at the 17th Annual Grand Final Gala Ceremony which took place on Sunday 7th November at the Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel, in London.
Announcing the award to HRH Khalid Al-Faisal, the President & Founder of Word Travel Awards, Graham E. Cooke commented: “At the World Travel Awards, our goal is to seek out those who are doing more than anyone else to transform the tourism industry- those players with vision, courage and dedication in making tourism a force for good and a force for change”. “The Award for Leading Personality of the Year goes to HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal who embraces vision and innovation as part of his life,” added Cooke.
HRH Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Faisal was present at the event to receive the award on behalf of HRH Khalid Al-Faisal.
As one of the most prestigious international awards, The Leading Personality Award is a rare gem amongst the other annual awards by WTA, and was offered only 3 times since the start of WTA IN 1993.
Governor, philanthropist, poet, artist and visionary, HRH Prince Khalid is most renowned in relation to the development of Asir Region, Makkah Region, King Faisal International Prize and the Arab Thought Foundation. He is also celebrated for his love of the arts having held many international painting exhibitions, two of which were combined exhibitions with HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Whales.
As a Governor, his region includes Islam’s holy capital – Makkah, Saudi Arabia’s principal commercial hub, main seaport and the Kingdom’s second largest city – Jeddah, and the tourist destination Taif which is known for an annual event, Souq Okaz. A city, deeply rooted in history, Makkah is one of the most ancient tourist destinations known to Mankind. Acknowledging its significance, the Governor of Makkah emphasized the importance of making the city one of the most beautiful, clean, civilized and advanced destinations in the world.
In Riyadh, he has masterminded the formation and execution of the country’s first skyscraper, Al Faisaliah Tower which has transformed the Riyadh skyline since 2000. Al Faisaliah Center has also been awarded the “Leading Mixed-use Complex” for 2010, recognizing the achievements of Al Khozama Management Company, a subsidiary of King Faisal Foundation. The Complex was designed by the world renowned architect Lord Norman Foster.
HRH Prince Khalid’s contributions to the Tourism Industry have been internationally far reaching. His impact on the international economy, education, culture and the philanthropic initiatives will be enjoyed by generations to come.
