Prince Sultan: Tourism a major contributor to Saudi economy

Saudi Arabia enjoys economic and financial stability under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, said Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).
He was speaking to newsmen at the Fifth G-20 Tourism Ministerial meeting in London on Monday.
“Our country enjoys the benefits of resources, which are being used in its development and in the service of its citizens,” said Prince Sultan.
He said that his country’s participation in the ministerial meeting reflects Saudi Arabia’s economic position in the world and especially given the unprecedented growth in the areas of human, political and infrastructural developments that are taking place simultaneously.
Prince Sultan described Saudi tourism as a major contributor to the national economy and said it has been classified as an essential services sector globally. He noted that Saudi Arabia sees a huge market potential in this sector.
“Saudi Arabia, where the Two Holy Mosques are located, is a major travel destination for Arabs and Muslims around the world,” Prince Sultan elaborated.
According to Prince Sultan, the G-20 tourism ministerial meeting aims, among others, to set a common goal among nations wishing to promote tourism as a major sector of the economy intertwined with other sectors such as security.
He pointed out that the global tourism industry has become an essential component in the success of any economy in the world while also providing job opportunities to young men and women.
Prince Sultan revealed that he presented a number of issues at the meeting, including facilitation of tourist visas and matters related to security. He stressed that his country’s priority is domestic tourism which will cater to the guests of the Two Holy Mosques.
Being a spiritual hub where Muslims perform their religious duties and embark on sight-seeing, Saudi Arabia has promoted tourist facilities considerably, he added.