Saudi Arabia reviews visa rules to boost tourism

Saudi Arabia has moved to bring changes to its visa regulations in a bid to double the number of tourists over the next decade and make the kingdom tourism-friendly.

News Deskbdnews24.com
Published : 2 April 2018, 09:59 AM
Updated : 2 April 2018, 09:59 AM

The move comes after the country launched its Vision 2030 programme hoping that the kingdom was no longer dependent on oil revenues.

To make the procedure faster, regulations governing tourist visas to the country have already been completed and submitted to the government for approval, Arab News reports, citing the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage or SCTH.

In a statement, the SCTH said the regulations were reviewed in a series of meetings and workshops held with relevant government institutions, with inputs from investors, tourism and transport professionals and service providers.

Additionally, Saudi authorities have developed an integrated electronic system to process and record visa transactions, under the supervision of a team headed by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

“The kingdom, as the cradle of Islam, possesses an unparalleled cultural heritage, and is growing a tourism industry rich in natural, cultural and purely touristic destinations,” SCTH President Prince Sultan bin Salman had previously said.

“On top of that, the Saudi people have a long tradition of showing great generosity, hospitality and warn welcomes to people from around the world.”

He said the kingdom had affirmed its commitment to local values and culture — the most important attractions -- as it strives to attract tourists.

According to CNN, the new tourism initiatives are a key factor in Saudi Arabia’s plan to reduce its reliance on the oil industry.