The Secretary General of the Higher Tourism Commission, Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, stressed the importance of developing tourism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In a press statement on Saturday evening after the activities of the Golden Day of Oneiza Tourism Festival, Prince Sultan bin Salman said that the Commission is planning a seminar on urban heritage, which will take place under the patronage of Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Premier, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General, next September.
Prince Sultan bin Salman said that tourism constitutes a national industry as well as a cultural and social activity. He expressed his hope that this year’s summer tourist activities would promote domestic tourism, decreasing the number of Saudi citizens who chose to travel abroad for their vacations.
Highlighting the role that could be played by tourism in the development of rural areas, Prince Sultan bin Salman predicted that the Kingdom’s tourist industry would create approximately 1.6 million jobs opportunities.
”Due to its rich heritage and healthy environment, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an attractive tourist destination,” he said, quoting tourism experts.
Stressing the importance of Saudi tourists, Prince Sultan bin Salman said that arrangements were underway to prepare 50,000 hotel rooms and 75,000 furnished flats for Saudi tourists.
He urged Saudis who invest their capital abroad to contribute to the implementation of tourism projects within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Source: SPA
