Major projects to make Saudi top tourist centre

Saudi Arabia will become a top tourist centre in the Arab world as major recreational projects are delivered, according to Prince Sultan bin Salman, chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities.

The Kingdom is seen as lagging behind its GCC neighbours, such as the UAE and Oman, in providing attractive destinations for the regional and wider global tourism market.

The Prince has identified key areas which need to be addressed before Saudi Arabia can hope to provide a credible tourist alternative to its Gulf rivals.

Speaking to Al Arabiya Channel, Prince Sultan said: “Saudi tourism is a big project. We need to develop infrastructure to promote tourism and we need greater private sector investment in the sector.
“We have already completed a number of projects for providing integrated tourism services. It will take time for us to complete some of the major projects,” he added.

The SCTA chief also said that tourism would play a major role in creating more jobs for young Saudi men and women, and strengthening the national economy.

“Tourism is the second largest provider of jobs, accounting for 26%, and Saudis are happy to work in this vital sector,” Prince Sultan said.

The Prince also pointed to the success of tourism festivals that have been held in various regions and cities this year with the support of governorates and tourism committees, stating that more than 10m people had attended such events during the summer.

Bin Salman also denied suggestions that a large number of Saudi nationals go to foreign tourist destinations including Dubai to spend their Eid holidays.

“Saudi Arabia is a big country with a population of 26m. Only a small percentage of Saudis go abroad for tourism,” he said.

However, he pointed out that, like other nationals, Saudis also visit foreign tourist destinations.