Turismo
Saudi Arabia Opens to Tourists from Around the World
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia , Sept. 26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In a historic move, Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to international visitors for the first time. Details of a new visa regime will be announced on Friday evening (27 September) at a gala event at Ad-Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Riyadh .
Visitors seeking unexplored heritage sites, an authentic cultural experience and breathtaking natural beauty will be surprised and delighted to discover Saudi Arabia's many treasures.
Saudi sites of interest include five UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Saudi Arabia is home to 13 regions, each with a distinctive cultural tradition. It is also home to flourishing contemporary culture, with highlights that include:
Saudi Arabia boasts a surprisingly diverse range of landscapes, including the green mountains of Asir, the crystal waters of the Red Sea, the snow-covered winter plains of Tabuk and the shifting sands of the Empty Quarter.
A number of new tourist destinations are currently under construction, including the futuristic city of NEOM, the Qiddiya entertainment city near Riyadh and a range of luxury destinations by the Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia expects to increase international and domestic visits to 100 million a year by 2030, attracting significant foreign and domestic investment and creating a million jobs.
By 2030, the aim is for tourism to contribute up to 10% towards the Saudi GDP, compared to just 3% today.
Billions of dollars are being spent to improve infrastructure and develop heritage, cultural and entertainment sites.
Saudi's airport capacity is expected to increase by 150 million passengers per annum and an additional 500,000 hotel key cards will be needed across the country over the coming decade.
His Excellency Ahmad Al-Khateeb, Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, commented:
"Opening Saudi Arabia to international tourists is a historic moment for our country.
Generous hospitality is at the heart of Arabian culture and we look forward to showing our guests a very warm welcome.
Visitors will be surprised and delighted by the treasures we have to share. Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a vibrant local culture and breathtaking natural beauty.
To visitors we say: be among the first to discover and explore the treasures of Arabia.
To investors we say: become part of the fastest growing tourism sector on earth."
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