Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Head of the general commission for tourism and antiquities, has reiterated the great attention given by the Saudi government to the development of tourism industry. Speaking at the 18th session for the general assembly of the UN international tourism organization, inaugurated today in Astana, he noted that Saudi Arabia knew tourism since a long time and it has been accustomed to visitors from the four corners of the world. The Kingdom, the cradle of Islam where the Two Holy Mosques are located, hosts every year millions of Muslims from the various countries, he said noting that the commission has implemented more than 140 projects and programs. Prince Sultan bin Salman said the Kingdom owns various natural resources, several tourism resorts, a rich cultural and social heritage in addition to developed infrastructure. These factors have provided the Kingdom with a suitable environment for a comprehensive and sustainable tourism development in all of its regions and have made it possible to implement several tourism projects, he said. Prince Sultan pointed out to the role of political and economic stability in the tourism development. The Kingdom is characterized by a large geographical area and diversity in resources in addition to the strength of its economy and a high rate of population growth, he said. Prince Sultan bin Salman noted that the commission will organize an international conference on urban heritage under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah next April. --more
