Mohammed Alshoaiby Saudi Gazette RIYADH – The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) is working on developing tourism opportunities in Asir, Taif, Abha, and Riyadh, with plans in the pipeline to develop an integrated tourism industry that connects the Kingdom on the domestic front, and at the same time attracting foreign tourists and investors. These disclosures were made by Prince Sultan Bin Salman, SCTA President, at the 7th annual Global Competitiveness Forum (GCF). His speech addressed some of the key developments in the Saudi tourism sector, including competitive angles in domestic tourism, religious tourism and the hospitality sector. “Before talking about the Kingdom's economic potential with oil, we need to talk about the significance of the land and its people,” he said, highlighting the vast historical and religious significance of the region, and the customs and traditions of its people. Prince Sultan lauded the role of legislation and the efforts of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah in reforming the tourism sector. On domestic tourism, he said: “Saudis need to create memories here in their home,” emphasizing the segment's economic and cultural significance. Prince Sultan also commented on the progress SCTA has made with the private sector, establishing the government's role as a developer of sites owned by private companies looking for lucrative investment opportunities. Perhaps one of the most important points raised by Prince Sultan was the role of Saudization in the tourism sector, which is the second largest industry that offers jobs to Saudis, stating that Saudi culture is inherently hospitable, and that many of the customs and traditions that have been a staple of the region for generations are making their way into the Kingdom's rapidly growing hospitality sector. In December 2013 Saudi Arabia announced its intention to begin issuing tourist visas for the first time in its history. SCTA was entrusted with visa issuing on the basis of certain regulations.
