Saudi Arabia to host foreign tourists to strengthen economy of Kingdom
Riyadh, April 3: Saudi Arabia has decided to issue tourist visas in a bid to give a massive boost to the economy of the Kingdom. Notably, the step comes after Saudi Arabia’s economy collapsed comprehensively due to fall in oil prices.
Saudi Arabia is all set to welcome 30 million visitors annually by 2030 as the Kingdom has approved to issue tourist visas that came into effect from April 1st of this year. Under this mega change, women aged 25 and above will be issued a 30-day single-entry tourist visa without a male companion. The move comes under the kingdom’s reform drive to allow women to play a more active role Saudi society.
Saudi Arabia has also planned to turn 50 Red Sea islands into luxury beach resorts to boost tourism sector of the country. However, these reforms and investment are set to drive the tourism and hospitality sector over the next five years, with an expectant growth of 13.5 percent year-on-year by 2022.
Importantly, Saudi Arabia is witnessing a historic change in its culture and the way of business. Earlier, the Kingdom has allowed women to join the Army who wish to serve and protect the country. In September 2017, Saudi Arabia announced it will allow women to drive, ending the long-standing policy that had been criticised by international campaigners and women’s groups.
In October 2017, Saudi Arabia announced that it will allow women to attend sporting events in stadiums starting 2018, an announcement that joins a series of groundbreaking reforms addressing the status of women in the kingdom. In December 2017, Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on commercial cinemas that has lasted more than three decades.
Interestingly, Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest oil exporter, but falling oil prices have thrashed its economic system hugely.