His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, confirmed that there are no current plans to transform the Commission into a ministry. He noted that this matter rests with the government's assessment of the need for such a transformation, based on its vision for restructuring governmental and economic sectors. In an exclusive interview with Al-Jazirah newspaper, His Highness indicated that the Commission collaborates with regions, ministries, and other authorities through a system of agreements and joint projects to bolster domestic tourism and the national heritage sectors under its purview. He added that the Commission addresses shortcomings in tourist sites through a strong partnership with the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and by working directly with regional municipalities. His Highness also pointed out that the Commission is working with the Ministry of Finance to expand the government lending program to include tourism sector facilities, such as accommodation and entertainment. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Prince Sultan bin Salman acknowledged that domestic tourism still falls short of expectations. He expressed his hope for a profound transformation in the development of integrated tourism facilities, services, routes, and destinations. However, he emphasized the importance of recognizing the progress made by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage and its partners in reaching this advanced stage. This progress includes the near-complete restructuring of the various sectors, the implementation of a comprehensive set of regulations and a national network of routes, and the formation of partnerships at both the national and local levels. Prince Sultan also addressed the role of the tourism sector in creating job opportunities for Saudi citizens in travel and tourism agencies, asserting that no sector is immune to Saudization. He stated, "We have great confidence in investors, and we are working closely with them." He explained that there is a challenge in finding qualified and willing workers, and highlighted the Commission's collaboration with Saudi universities to develop their academic programs to meet the demands of the travel and tourism labor market. Regarding the role of accommodation and the prices of hotel rooms and furnished apartments, Prince Sultan bin Salman said: The Authority is currently setting a maximum price that cannot be exceeded. This applies only to standard or regular hotel rooms and small standard apartments, as this category of rooms and apartments is what concerns the general consumer. He noted that the Authority's work is in accordance with the state's economic policy, which is based on the principle of the open market, with temporary incentives to complete the establishment of major economic sectors such as tourism, which has not yet been achieved. He expects complaints about prices to continue for the next three years, while emphasizing that the Authority's policy maintains an equal distance between the consumer and the investor, thus preserving the balance of rights for both parties. The interview then turned to the question: Is there a study to transform the Authority into a ministry? *Your Highness, is there any intention or study to submit proposals to the highest authorities to transform the Authority into a ministry so that there is a direct presence and continuous interaction with other ministries and in the Council of Ministers, or do you have any reservations or comments on this? There is currently no study underway to transform the Authority into a ministry. The matter rests with the state's assessment of the need for such a transformation, based on its vision for restructuring the governmental and economic sectors. The Authority is an independent institution with a board of directors whose chairman reports directly to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Prime Minister. The Authority's board of directors includes representatives from 12 ministries, ensuring full coordination. These ministries collectively represent the Authority in the Council of Ministers. The board also includes members selected for their expertise and representing diverse regions. Furthermore, the Authority collaborates with regions, ministries, and other entities through a system of agreements and joint projects to bolster national tourism and the national heritage sectors under its purview. This collaboration aims to achieve the desired transformation for every citizen and to strengthen investment in these sectors. The government funding program is nearing completion. *There are numerous institutes and colleges in the Kingdom dedicated to tourism. What is the Authority's role in attracting graduates to work within the Authority, supporting them in securing employment in the public and private sectors, and providing incentives for them to engage in tourism-related work? The Authority is working within the framework of the Takamul program to localize tourism jobs through a number of programs and initiatives with the Human Resources Development Fund, the Ministry of Labor, and a number of related sectors. The Authority is also redeveloping all localization tracks and the Takamul program under the umbrella of the comprehensive development project, the details of which the Authority will announce after Eid al-Fitr, God willing. It is now observed that work in the tourism sector is widely accepted by citizens, especially the youth, which has made the tourism sector the second most Saudized sector (after the banking sector), according to studies by the Ministry of Labor, even though the sector is still in its early stages in terms of the regulatory environment and the lack of financial support to incentivize investment in it. It is hoped that the government financing program for tourism investments (the details of which we are nearing completion of with the Ministry of Finance to submit to the state) will bring more suitable job opportunities for citizens. The demand for graduates will exceed the capacity of the current colleges and institutes, which is why we are moving quickly with universities and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation to establish new colleges and institutes for tourism. Addressing Negatives Through Strong Partnership with Municipalities * Are there joint and effective efforts to eliminate negatives and activate the supervisory and punitive role so that the saying «He who is not punished will misbehave» does not apply? – The Authority addresses negatives in tourist sites through a strong partnership with the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, and through our work with the regional municipalities directly (which we do based on our coordination with the Ministry and an understanding with His Highness the Minister). Today, the municipalities are the most important participant and beneficiary of tourism development, especially since most of the services provided in tourist sites are an inherent activity of the municipalities. The development that we see in service levels in some tourist areas is attributed to the regions and their tourism development councils, which are headed by the Emir of the region (and the municipalities are an integral member of them), and is not attributed to the Authority, nor is it considered a favor to the Authority, but rather it is an inherent work for a basic need of citizens and visitors. We know for certain that services in tourist sites and on roads are developing. The issue of roadside rest areas has also been resolved by a recent Cabinet decision, and several companies capable of making a difference have been qualified. For more details about the project and the Authority's efforts, please visit the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage website at www.scta.gov.sa. In-depth studies of seasonal prices and service evaluations: * A common saying in local and Gulf circles is that the amount spent on domestic tourism does not reflect the service and quality provided. What is the Authority's role in refuting this claim? – The Authority continuously conducts market studies and updates information on prices in tourist areas. Currently, as part of the comprehensive development project, it is conducting in-depth studies of the tourism economy, an in-depth study of seasonal prices, and an evaluation of services in certain areas, as well as an examination of the reasons for weak funding and ways to incentivize investors. Furthermore, the esteemed Cabinet approved this year an important report submitted by the Authority to the Supreme Economic Council (Creating Appropriate Incentives to Prepare the Investment Environment for the Growth of Tourism Projects), which included several initiatives expected to contribute to developing facilities, attracting investments, and reducing seasonality for the benefit of both consumers and investors. Approval of Post-Umrah Tourism Development for Over 65 Countries * Is it time to issue tourist visas, and what are the plans in this regard? – It is not yet time to issue tourist visas due to the significant pressure on domestic tourism resulting from increased demand and the delay in developing integrated tourism services, facilities, and destinations. Furthermore, in implementation of government decisions, the Authority, in cooperation with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Hajj, has approved the development of post-Umrah tourism for over 65 countries, which will commence after this year's Hajj season, God willing. The Authority is also focusing on tourism for non-citizens who live and work in the Kingdom or who come to the Kingdom accompanying exhibitions and conferences. * What is the role of women in tourism? – Women have an integral role in tourism as consumers, investors, and service providers. The Authority has also developed multiple pathways in the tourism and national heritage sectors to affirm women's role in the new economy and enhance their ability to benefit from services, including the decision to allow women to stay in hotels separately, in accordance with approved regulations. The Authority has won numerous awards in e-transactions. * What are the most prominent projects related to investing in technology, electronic automation, and social media channels concerning databases, tourist guidance, and organizing awareness campaigns? – The Authority has been very advanced since its establishment in utilizing technology and communication. A comprehensive development plan for electronic media and specialized media and marketing social media platforms was recently approved. The Authority has also won numerous prestigious awards, some of which were announced this week, and it has achieved a leading position in the National e-Government Transactions Program (Yesser). Exceptional effort to restructure the roadside rest area sector. * Your Highness, there remains a concern that troubles everyone: the rest areas on the highways in our beloved Kingdom and the services they provide. This is one of the biggest challenges that requires special attention from more than one entity, perhaps the Tourism Authority at the forefront. Having recently reviewed the efforts made by the Authority, I would like Your Highness to speak about the Authority's plan in this area. The Authority sensed the inefficiency of roadside rest areas and addressed this issue, taking up the file since 1425 AH (the year in which the state approved the National Tourism Strategy). Over the past years, it has made an exceptional effort to restructure this important sector of national tourism. Thanks to God, and then to the efforts of the Authority and a number of government agencies, including the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Transport, positive developments have been achieved, culminating in the issuance of the esteemed Council of Ministers« decision in the middle of last year to adopt the recommendations of the ministerial committee formed to study improving the condition of service centers and fuel stations on regional roads. The decision stated that it was issued »based on what was submitted by the President of the General Authority for Tourism and Antiquities regarding the Authority’s initiative to improve service centers on regional roads – based on what was stated in the general strategy for the development of national tourism, with the aim of developing and improving domestic tourism.« The decision tasked the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs with following up on the implementation of the radical improvement program and monitoring performance in the future, and granted existing stations a two-year grace period to improve their conditions and obtain the necessary licenses in accordance with the new operating standards. The Authority also worked directly with SASCO (a national joint-stock company), culminating in the redevelopment and construction of approximately 40 distinctive roadside rest areas across the Kingdom before the issuance of the regulatory decision. (The story of this collaboration is documented in an interview with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company. Link to the interview with the Chairman of SASCO: http://bit.ly/1reoT7h) A developmental renaissance and a well-considered opening of the archaeological excavation sector: * Is it true, Your Highness, that the limited openness to foreign archaeological missions stems from fears of political or other motives related to religious theories about the history of the Arabian Peninsula? – There is no limitation in opening up to international excavation missions. On the contrary, this sector is witnessing an unprecedented developmental renaissance and a well-considered and significant opening. Currently, there are approximately 30 excavation teams working throughout our country with a large number of countries, scientific centers, and distinguished international universities. More details are available in the link to the report on archaeological excavations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: http://bit.ly/1mQt9Wc, or visit www.scta.gov.sa. A profound shift in the development of integrated tourism facilities and services: * Is it true that Have you noticed a decrease in the number of Saudis spending their holidays abroad since the establishment of the Authority and the commencement of its activities and tourism programs? – We have observed a continued influx of citizens traveling abroad for tourism and an increase in domestic tourism, despite the decline in the efficiency of services in a number of targeted tourist areas. We are currently working on finalizing the necessary government decisions that will launch domestic tourism to achieve the desired advancement for the country and its citizens. We also hope that the comprehensive development project will bring about a profound transformation in the development of facilities, services, integrated tourism routes, leading tourist destinations, and the development of the system of heritage sites and events within the King Abdullah Project for Cultural Heritage. This is a historic project that is expected to create a shift in citizens' awareness of their country's history, heritage, and civilization, and to encourage them to enjoy it. Issuing a decision to grant land to those wishing to establish their own private museums. * The Authority supports private museums owned by individuals, and do you have a mechanism to encourage those who wish to establish an archaeological museum, if any? – The Authority has launched a program to support private museums. The Authority has begun licensing and classifying these museums, as some contain artifacts that are registered in the national registry, studied, and investigated, while many others are private collections of pieces. Popular heritage, and the support program for private museums, in addition to licensing, included training programs for museum owners and some of their relatives on managing these museums, caring for the artifacts, and methods of displaying and marketing them to visitors. The Authority also obtained a decision from His Highness the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs to grant land to those wishing to establish new headquarters for these museums in exchange for affordable rents. Coordination was made with the Saudi Credit and Savings Bank to provide loans to those wishing to develop their museums and make them accessible to visitors. Visits were organized to explore leading experiences inside and outside the Kingdom, in which dozens of private museum owners participated. In addition, the Authority approved a program that allows museum owners to relocate their museums to heritage villages being developed by the Authority, by providing them with restored buildings to display their collections, provided that these museums are open to visitors. The Authority holds a forum for private museum owners every two years, the first of which was held in Riyadh and the second in Medina, and preparations are underway for the third forum next year in one of the regions of the Kingdom. Our coordination with investors is extensive to localize jobs in the tourism sector. * Everyone is aware, Your Highness, of the efforts you are making to localize jobs in the tourism sector, but it seems Travel and tourism agencies and offices remain resistant to Saudization. Are there reasons for this that people are unaware of? – No sector is inherently resistant to Saudization. We have great confidence in investors, and we work closely with them. These agencies are subject to the state's gradual Saudization regulations. The goal is to create jobs for citizens on an ongoing basis, not merely to achieve illusory figures. There was a challenge in finding qualified and willing candidates, especially considering that these jobs require expertise in accounting and familiarity with international aviation regulations. This challenge is almost resolved thanks to the graduates of tourism colleges. We have collaborated with universities to develop their curricula to meet labor market demands. For example, the Authority worked with King Saud University to form an advisory board for the College of Tourism, comprised of international and local specialists and investors. This resulted in a comprehensive overhaul of the curricula, the practical training program, and the English language component. Similar initiatives were undertaken with King Abdulaziz University, the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), which is establishing a network of tourism and hospitality colleges across the Kingdom, the Institute of Public Administration, and several other institutions. Travel agencies have established specialized training institutes. We are confident that citizens working in travel agencies will find their place. We have a comprehensive development plan for the National Tourism Human Resources Program (Tamkeen) within the Authority, and the Authority is always ready to support those who are serious about it. Investors in travel agencies know that the Authority is working diligently to localize tourism jobs, and this is not a matter for hesitation or compromise. Furthermore, the government's decision to establish professional associations, including a travel and tourism association, will contribute to organizing and improving work in these agencies. Undoubtedly, job localization will be a top priority for the association, under the Authority's supervision. Archaeological masterpieces were displayed in Saudi museums and will return again. * The Kingdom has showcased a dazzling collection of its archaeological treasures in several world capitals. When will Saudis be able to see them? – The pieces included in the exhibition "Trade Routes in the Arabian Peninsula... Masterpieces of Saudi Antiquities" were all, without exception, displayed in Saudi museums and will return to display in those museums (and new museums) after the exhibition tour concludes. This is an invitation to everyone to visit the National Museum in Riyadh and the regional museums throughout the Kingdom, both those currently operating and those that will open within the next two years. Coming Soon. Deepening National Awareness of the Importance of Tourism as an Economic System and a Development Path * Saudi tourism is still in its infancy in terms of attracting local tourists, let alone foreign ones, and it remains below the desired level as a reliable source of national income, especially given the availability of all the natural resources! When will we see Saudi Arabia as a truly tourist country? And what are the reasons preventing this? – Yes, national tourism is still below the level we aspire to, but we believe we are on the right track. It is important to recognize the progress made by the Authority and its partners to reach this advanced stage in terms of creating a near-complete restructuring of the various sectors, approving a package of regulations and a system of pathways at the national level, forming groups of partners at the national and local levels, and creating a significant shift in national awareness of tourism as an economic system and a development path that now enjoys full acceptance among citizens. This includes developing the management processes of the tourism, antiquities, museums, crafts, and traditional industries sectors, media outreach, establishing a strong awareness of tourism and national heritage, building the Authority's agencies and regional offices, developing partner pathways and their management, enhancing their capabilities, establishing a system of tourism development councils and agencies in the regions, improving security systems, and restructuring major sectors such as tourist accommodation (hotels). (and apartments) and the creation of financing pathways, and integrated initiatives for more than 20 heterogeneous sectors overseen by the Authority. For more information, (the Initiatives Implementation Report can be viewed via the following link: http://bit.ly/1o0HGPr). * There is a significant decline in the level of services provided by commercial sites, especially roadside rest stops, to the point that travelers cannot rest there due to the poor quality of food and accommodation, etc. What is the Authority's role in this regard? And will we soon see rest stops with international tourist standards, at least on our international roads? – I have previously addressed the issue of roadside rest stops and stations on regional roads, which the General Authority for Tourism and Antiquities was the first to call for their development. This stemmed from the tourism development strategy approved by the state in 1425 AH (2004/2005 CE), and was based on the impact of the low standard of these stations on tourists using roads while traveling between regions of the Kingdom. Statistics showed that approximately 86% of the total number of tourist trips between regions of the Kingdom are made using land routes. The Authority followed up on this file and completed all its aspects until the esteemed Council of Ministers issued a decision more than a year ago approving what the Authority had submitted. A work program overseen by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs aims to develop this important sector. * Regarding antiquities, an orientalist once said of the Tabuk region that "Hisma is the museum of the Arabian Peninsula," referring to the abundance of archaeological sites there. However, we still observe significant neglect and sometimes vandalism of many of these sites, and we fear there is no plan to protect antiquities in the near future. What is Your Highness's opinion and vision on this matter? – Work is currently underway to develop the Hisma region as a natural national park, God willing, in cooperation and partnership with the Tabuk Governorate and relevant authorities. This will coincide with the development of desert tourism and organized desert camps, which the Authority will announce soon. The Authority, in its policy, maintains an equal distance between the consumer and the investor. * Regarding the decision to liberalize prices issued by the Shura Council, there were opponents of this clause, and I was among them. However, the decision was issued as a parliamentary custom based on the majority opinion. Therefore, I hope the Authority, as an executive body, will address complaints and criticism. I hope it will waive the need to set a reasonable higher price that does not burden the visitor and achieves a reasonable profit for the investor, especially in Mecca and Medina. Given that those who come to Mecca are there for worship, not tourism, and that hotels near the Grand Mosque are full year-round, guaranteeing their profits, unlike hotels in other areas such as Taif and Abha, which have peak seasons of only two or three months, this step of setting a moderate upper price—not like the current practice in Mecca and Medina—if implemented, would be a significant achievement for Your Highness and the Authority. It would ease the burden on people, especially those going for worship, and encourage domestic tourism. Our hotels have facilities and are not subject to taxes, so their prices should be reasonable. The Authority is currently setting a maximum price that cannot be exceeded. This applies only to standard rooms in hotels and small standard apartments, as this category of rooms and apartments is what most consumers use. The global system in countries that set prices is limited to these categories. As for the new tourism system you mentioned, which was presented to the Shura Council during your membership, you may recall that the Authority's opinion was that the power to set prices should remain, and that the Authority should be authorized to monitor them for at least the next three years, until decisions regarding financing tourist facilities are issued and their impact begins to be felt through increased supply and the completion of redevelopment projects in the regions. Cities undergoing comprehensive development, such as Mecca and Medina, are experiencing a limited decrease in the number of hotels due to demolition for expansion. Reconstructing existing hotels and attracting new investments will take time before we reach and even surpass the previous number of hotel units expected to enter service in the two holy cities within the next two years. This phenomenon is not limited to Mecca and Medina; it exists to varying degrees in other tourist areas suffering from seasonality. This seasonality drives up prices during peak seasons because hotels and furnished apartments do not enjoy good occupancy rates outside of those seasons. Consequently, investors are unable to continue operating, and their departure would exacerbate the imbalance and lead to further price increases. Therefore, the Tourism Development Authority has taken action to address the seasonality problem, launching a pilot program: "Asir: A Year-Round Tourist Destination." The Authority's policy maintains a neutral stance between consumers and investors, ensuring the consumer's right to high-quality service at reasonable prices while guaranteeing a balanced profit for investors to sustain their investments. The Authority operates in accordance with the state's approved economic policy. Based on the principle of the open market, with temporary incentives to complete the establishment of major economic sectors such as tourism—which has not yet been achieved—we expect complaints about prices to continue for the next three years. The Authority is currently conducting studies based on the summer of 1435 AH, focusing on the economic levels that are complaining about prices and what the Authority will do to attract higher economic levels outside major cities. We have developed the Integrated Strategic Tourism Routes Initiative, which the Authority will announce soon, God willing. We are witnessing a renewed focus from the government on supporting the tourism sector. * Your Highness, are you satisfied with the state of tourism in the Kingdom given the high prices and the poor condition of some of the long roads connecting cities? – I have already answered this question. I have said previously that domestic tourism is still below the level we aspire to, and what the Authority could have achieved if the expected support had been provided in the past. We are now witnessing a renewed focus from the government on supporting the tourism sector as an important economic sector, viewing tourism as a fundamental activity, not a supplementary one. The issue of prices is directly related to the high supply compared to the high demand for tourism services, and we hope that a balance will be reached and supply will increase. Good to meet demand after the approval of the tourism financing program. As for developing roadside rest areas, the state's decision to regulate the services provided, submitted by the Authority, is sufficient to bring about the desired transformation. I practice aviation professionally and maintain my fitness. * Your work at the Tourism Authority may not be related to your hobby, which you first excelled in, in the field of space and its realms. How do you work to link the two? And will we ever see you in space? – Yes, my work is not directly related to space travel, but I work on developing a large economic, cultural, and social sector, and this is a national mission that I am honored to undertake, while continuing, as you know, to work in the field of space in all its dimensions. I don't know, my brother, if you will ever see me in space, but I long for it. I practice aviation professionally and maintain my training program for jet aircraft, large aircraft, and others, as well as my physical fitness. We do not support the term "religious tourism," and we are developing Islamic historical sites. * The term "religious tourism" has recently emerged, referring to Mecca and Medina outside of peak seasons and the holy sites they contain. Does Your Highness support this designation? And if so, can you adopt tourism programs specifically for this project? – We do not support the term "religious tourism." Religiously, our country is the Qibla of Muslims and is honored to serve them, spending more on this service than any income it might receive from Hajj or Umrah pilgrims. However, as I mentioned in a previous answer, we have worked to open up and organize post-Umrah tourism to give our Muslim brothers and sisters the opportunity to visit the cradle of Islam and learn about what is happening in this nation, which has adhered to Islam while simultaneously achieving tremendous developmental and human progress. This includes the ongoing development of Islamic historical sites and the system of procedures and services provided by all relevant entities, working in remarkable solidarity to achieve this noble goal. * Religious sentiment prevails in our societies, and some religious figures oppose the Authority's work, rejecting the idea of shrines in both form and substance. How does the Authority deal with these opinions? – We handle matters of Islamic law with utmost care and respect. We do not act on any issue before consulting with esteemed scholars of Islamic law and rely on state decisions that are fundamentally based on balanced Islamic legal opinion. We operate under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, may God protect him, within the framework of the Islamic Historical Sites Program and in cooperation with the Makkah and Madinah Development Authorities to restore the prestige of Islamic historical sites and transform them into sites of... Respectful to its Muslim visitors, the program aims to provide lessons and inspiration from the great historical events that occurred in the cradle of Islam. It has a specialized management team, a supervisory committee headed by the Chairman of the Authority, and an advisory committee comprised of esteemed sheikhs and specialists. * Domestic tourism, as defined by the local community, involves thrifty individuals paying exorbitant sums to wealthy investors in locations that are essentially owned by those same thrifty individuals. Do you consider the privatization of tourist sites, particularly coastal ones, fair to the average citizen who sometimes cannot afford the entrance fee? Finally, what is the extent of cooperation between your organization and the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, given the overlap and similarity of your work? – We are committed to providing services and facilities that suit all economic classes while maintaining a reasonable level of quality and excellent service. We work with our partners in the municipalities and other sectors towards this goal. We still have a short way to go to develop more services and facilities that cater to different economic segments, ensuring that everyone has a unique tourist experience in our country. * Does the Authority have a development project for Jabal Al-Qarah and the surrounding area, as well as the Hanging Rock in Al-Ahsa? Does the Authority have a development plan for the Al-Ula archaeological site? And Madain Saleh to attract tourists? – Yes… We are working in the Jabal Al-Qarah area with the Al-Ahsa Municipality, which is one of the distinguished government agencies. Al-Hofuf is on the verge of a major transformation as a first-rate tourist, heritage, natural, and national site. It will also host the Al-Uqair project, God willing, which is the first integrated tourist destination in the Kingdom. The Authority has a development plan for the Al-Ula region and is working with local authorities to implement it, and you will see its results in the future, God willing. * Your Highness, I would like you to explain the reason for the delay in the Authority's projects. In the village of Dhi Ain in Al-Baha (my city), the project has been in its infancy for years, and so on? – The delay in Dhi Ain was due to a number of reasons, including ownership issues, the investment model, the owners' agreement on development, the lack of specialized contractors for restoration work, and other secondary reasons. Praise be to God, all of that has been accomplished, and the project is now proceeding according to the plan drawn up for it in cooperation with the Al-Baha Municipality, which is a distinguished agency. We are working at a high pace and with the great support of His Highness the Prince of the region. * Your Highness, don't you think that the tourism sector needs a sweeping revolution in all fields, starting with studies and conscious planning, then campaigns? Comprehensive media coverage extends to localization.!!! I ask, in light of this significant boom and the generosity of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques when he approves the proposed projects—and I believe his generosity in the recent education project is conclusive proof of what I'm saying—is this possible? – Yes, we completely agree that tourism, as a major economic sector and a primary generator of job opportunities for citizens, especially young people, needs substantial support at this stage, being a productive economic sector. We will announce the comprehensive development project, the general framework of which I, as head of the Authority, along with my colleagues and partners, have overseen, within a few weeks, God willing. This project, once funded and enabled, will guarantee a significant and direct transformation that everyone will experience in various tourism-related fields, as well as in the preservation of national heritage. * Despite the presence of the Two Holy Mosques and the sites of ancient civilizations in the Kingdom, and despite your presence as a man whose awareness and intellectual sophistication we trust, what has been offered to tourism falls far short of our great ambitions and our hope for our country to open up to global tourism, given the wonderful potential for this. – Indeed, our country possesses great tourism potential and resources to transform into a first-class tourist destination, especially with the high demand from citizens. We are fully convinced of the viability of investing in this promising sector, and we hope that next year's budget will bring about a significant leap forward for this major project, enabling it to flourish as other sectors have. The Kingdom boasts diverse terrain (seas, mountains, plateaus, and deserts), with each region possessing its own comparative advantages. Is there a strategy to capitalize on these treasures? The National Tourism Development Strategy, approved by the state in 1425 AH (2004/2005 CE), along with its updated strategy (for more information, please see: The National Tourism Development Strategy and Operational Plan at: http://bit.ly/1AnusX6), and regional plans, clearly outlines the immense potential for heritage tourism development in our country. These plans include projects and initiatives, and we have made considerable progress in their implementation with our partners. The next phase will proceed at an even faster pace, God willing, to transform these plans into tangible achievements for everyone. The desert environment is a treasure trove, especially for the international community, given its diversity, particularly after the discovery of archaeological sites. Furthermore, the sand dunes offer opportunities for tourism activities such as sandboarding or exploring the caves that abound in the deserts. The vastness. What's new with the Authority in this regard? – We are working intensively on desert tourism, based on the tourism development strategy approved by the state in 1425 AH. We have built successful experiences with our partners in desert festivals such as Hail, Bisha, and the Hail Rally. We will announce the comprehensive framework for desert tourism within a few weeks, God willing, based on successful international experiences. For more information about the festivals, I invite you to visit the tourism events calendar at the following link: www.saudievents.sa * There are reserves scattered throughout the Kingdom. What is the Authority's role in utilizing the reserves for tourism? – We are working with the Saudi Wildlife Authority, whose Chairman, His Highness, is a member of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Tourism and National Heritage. The two authorities have a cooperation agreement that ensures the development of some reserves for visits and the establishment of eco-lodges and visitor centers within them. The work has begun now in the Bani Ma'arid Reserve in the Empty Quarter desert in the Najran region, and the Mahazat as-Sayd Reserve near Taif. The tourism sector needs significant financial support and regulation, the beginnings of which we have started to see this year. The past, through the regulations and decisions approved by the state, which are expected to be completed this year with important decisions such as tourism financing, the launch of the state-owned Tourism Investment and Development Company and its entry into the field of tourism investment, infrastructure development with the private sector, and the launch of projects including the King Abdullah Project for Cultural Heritage and other strategic development paths. * The photographer's lens is a window through which the tourist looks to learn about tourist areas. Despite this, many of them face obstacles in photographing and documenting the beautiful places in our beloved Kingdom. Does the Authority have a role in eliminating the fear of photography and granting permits to every amateur or professional photographer? – The Authority began addressing the issue of prohibiting photography several years ago, and obtained high-level orders and binding decisions allowing photography according to specific regulations. This matter has already been circulated, and people have begun taking respectful photos that preserve the privacy of others. To promote photography, the General Authority for Tourism and Antiquities launched the Colors of Saudi Arabia Forum, which will launch its third edition at the end of this year. Photography, especially with the spread of social media, has become a necessity and a reality. (For more information, please visit The Colors of Saudi Arabia Forum (www.colors.sa) was initiated by the Authority more than 12 years ago, and this has been reinforced through intensive meetings with partners from relevant government institutions. Decisions and confirmed meeting minutes have been issued. Now, greater awareness is needed, and this is being addressed in coordination with regional authorities, security agencies, and other relevant bodies. However, it is important to respect the privacy of individuals we photograph. This is practiced in most countries worldwide, and the goal is to preserve the privacy of others. While I encourage photography, I also prefer that permission be obtained before taking photos, especially if they pertain to individuals and not just tourist attractions and cultural landmarks. Regarding the development of the government loan program to include facilities and establishments in the tourism sector: * There are hotels belonging to international companies with branches in several countries, and when comparing their prices, we find that we have the highest prices among those countries. For example, in Dubai, a room costs 750 riyals, while in our country, at the same hotel branch, the price exceeds 1900 riyals. What is the reason for this? Regarding prices, I've spoken about this on several occasions. If I may add something further, it's that the problem lies in the lack of funding, which discourages investment in areas that lack incentives to attract tourists. This creates a counterproductive cycle, as investors don't receive the necessary support to expand and increase the supply of tourist accommodation. Tourists, on the other hand, won't go to locations lacking facilities and services. We are focusing on this issue in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance through existing funding mechanisms and are submitting proposals to the government. We are working with the Ministry of Finance to develop the government lending program to include facilities and establishments within the tourism sector, including accommodation and entertainment. We hope this will be achieved this year. The Authority is also currently developing strategic tourist routes. For example, we are working on developing the Abha-Al Baha-Taif route, ending in Mecca and Jeddah, passing through beautiful villages and towns along this axis. The same applies to the Tabuk-Yanbu-Medina route along the Red Sea coast. You can imagine that developing these routes requires local investments and resources to meet the needs of middle- and high-income tourists who are not currently being attracted to tourism outside major cities. This is perhaps one of the reasons for complaints about prices from lower-income groups who expect more affordable options. This is what we aim to achieve through the program we are working to implement in partnership with specialized research centers. * Despite the scarcity of recreational facilities, especially in some cities, we find them dilapidated, with limited capabilities, and very high prices for their mediocre services. How can the Authority raise the standard of these facilities and encourage businessmen to invest in them? – Yes, we agree with those who say that recreational centers in some cities are dilapidated and substandard. We are currently working with the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and the regional municipalities, given their oversight of these facilities, to improve their standards and raise their quality. * We notice that some historical sites, especially in Mecca, are not receiving the necessary care, not to mention those that have disappeared and been erased. We are still waiting for the Authority to play its role in preserving what remains of them. What is Your Highness's comment? Regarding the historical monuments in Mecca, we are working within the framework of royal decrees and special attention from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
