Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khatib, confirmed that the issuance of the Council of Ministers’ decision approving the system of the Tourism Development Fund, with a capital of 15 billion riyals, is one of the most important steps taken by the Kingdom recently to support the tourism sector, indicating that the fund aims to stimulate the tourism industry, diversify sources of national income and provide more opportunities. investment that attracts investors from inside and outside the Kingdom, in addition to developing unique and world-class tourist destinations and experiences.
And he indicated, during his participation yesterday (Monday), at the conclusion of the work of the 46th meeting of the World Tourism Organization Committee, which was hosted by the Kingdom in the city of Al-Baha, that the meeting comes as an extension of efforts to confront the Corona pandemic, as this was preceded by the meeting of tourism ministers in the Group of Twenty countries to discuss the Corona pandemic and its impact on the tourism sector globally on date. 4/24/2020, and the meeting of the emergency session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism to discuss mechanisms for confronting the challenges the region is going through in light of the pandemic on 6/17/2020.
And he indicated that the meetings came at a stage that requires activating joint action to confront the challenges that the Middle East and the world are witnessing due to the Corona pandemic.
He noted the strong relationship and strong partnership that unites the Kingdom and the World Tourism Organization and said: “The organization is one of the main partners, and we are working with the organization on many projects, including preparing a study on the contribution of women in the tourism sector in the Middle East region, in recognition of the role of women in development, and we are also working to host meetings And the organization's conferences in the Kingdom to highlight the Kingdom's tourist attractions.
Regarding the role that the Kingdom plays through its presidency of the G20 in the field of tourism, the Minister of Tourism said: “Work to strengthen international efforts to support the tourism sector, as last April an extraordinary meeting was held with the tourism ministers of the G20 to discuss the negative effects suffered by the tourism sector. As a result of the crisis,” he said, looking forward to a meeting of tourism ministers next October to discuss the most important developments, and to stress the importance of continuity in joint work globally.
He added: We are working to achieve concrete measures through governments at the regional and international levels to provide solutions that support the tourism sector, and work with governments and international organizations to integrate the travel and tourism sector into economic recovery programs.
Regarding the measures taken by the Kingdom to return to a new normal life, Al-Khatib said: “We in the Kingdom have taken a gradual approach to the return of economic recovery, giving priority to the safety of citizens and residents, and we launched Saudi summer activities under the slogan “Breathe”, to start a tourism season that lasts for more than 100 days.
Okaz (Al-Baha) @okaz_online