Many people have recently been discussing the important and rapidly growing tourism industry in Saudi Arabia. The tourism sector which focuses primarily on religious tourism has suffered from opposition to the issuing of tourist visas.
Many countries including developing nations, such as those in Southern Africa, have shifted their interest to tourism. Several annual exhibitions in more than one country have been held to promote tourism and investments. These include the Travel and Tourism Exhibition that was held in Jeddah and Riyadh.
The role of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) has become more noticeable, especially with regard to providing jobs in the tourism sector and attracting those interested in the industry by providing an electronic website that links management facilities with job seekers. The commission has also financed men and women seeking tourism loans with up to SR1 million. In addition, the SCTA has been an active participant in international tourism with its president, Prince Sultan Bin Salman, attending conferences, with the most recent being the Conference for Tourism Ministers in Turkey. He has also developed many tourism opportunities.
Recently, the SCTA, in cooperation with the World Tourism Organization, has organized training sessions and workshops for people in the industry. This is a sign that the SCTA believes in the growing tourism industry. Religious tourism at present is the strongest form of tourism in the Kingdom; the sector is valued at SR80 billion each year with SR21.3 billion from religious tourism involving pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah. The enthusiasm Saudis show and the efforts they invest in this industry could lead to the development of many other types of tourism.
We find a strong interest in Al-Dariah, which is representative of the history of Saudi Arabia. Also, a new interest is being directed toward Tabuk and its surrounding areas. The culture of tourism might be a bit weak in the Kingdom, because it never existed before. However, I firmly believe that those Saudis who travel abroad a great deal have developed awareness and realize the importance of this sector.
Many governmental and private agencies have initiated their own electronic websites that are concerned with local tourist sites and activities that help attract visitors. This might be the beginning. However, be sure that the sector is in need of local Saudi talent that is capable of establishing, developing and training a local cadre instead of recruiting foreign workers!
Sarah Sulaiman Qassim
