Saudi Arabia to expect more number of travelers to the country after the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) approval for issuing of tourists visas. This new act aids in stimulating the local tourism and in regulating the system. In case, the proposals are approved, then tourist’s visas will be issued with interior minister and foreign affairs coordination.
Even though the businessmen and investors are striving hard for tourists’ visa, the proposal will be put into live only after the approval of SCTA.
Few of the travel sources are waiting for the further deals that have to make with the new visa and its approval. Al-Khallej Travel and Tourism Agency's director, Abdullah Al-Subaie stated that further details on fees and the visa approval details will be decided by the SCTA soon. The ministry urged SCTA not to fail to spot the chance, as this new act brings lot of profits such as enhancing the economy and in offering more jobs.
As per the professionals anticipation in the field, they are expecting around SR170 billion for travel market of the country for existing year. Out of SR170 billion investment, SR70 billion was provided by domestic tourism and SR100 billion by inbound tourism.
During the years 2010-14, Domestic tourism has a steady surge from SR59 to SR103 billion with the amount of expenditure in the division.
However, if the travel visa proposal gets approved, SCTA will release all the new norms in the duration of six months. Once the norms are passed, all the investors and businessmen have to hold a valid SCTA license to proof that they have met the required norms. The commission further noted that, investors who fail to meet the norms will be fined with an amount of SR50, 000.
