Red Sea Project to put Saudi Arabia on par with 100 global tourist destinations: Minister

Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism

Saudi Arabia will be competing with 100 global tourist destinations upon the completion of the Red Sea Project, Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, said on the sidelines of a meeting with investors and business owners at Makkah Chamber of Commerce.

The sector is turning a corner, backed by government efforts as well as the public-private partnership (PPP), he added.

Al Khateeb highlighted the significance of PPP to enhance the sector’s performance and boost its gross domestic product (GDP) contribution, especially as industry regulations are made clear and implemented in a real partnership environment.

There is continuous coordination with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to receive worshippers and visitors, the minister said, adding that the transit visa will be available for a large number of Muslims to perform Umrah on a four-day visit.

Al Khateeb also touched upon the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, which linked over 22 destinations and cost more than SAR 30 million.