A new body has been created to ensure the tourism-driven economy along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline develops sustainably.
The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) said it will “encourage investment, job creation and provide support to small and medium-sized enterprises engaged in marine recreational and tourism activities” as well as protect the sea’s “pristine environment”.
The SRSA hope to work with stakeholders in a bid to ensure marine activities are carried out sustainably and enforce compliance with environmental rules.
Saudi Arabia’s minister of tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb, will chair the SRSA.
Hailing the Red Sea as one of the country’s “greatest assets”, he said: “The SRSA’s objective is to enable a thriving tourism economy throughout the kingdom’s Red Sea coastline, with sustainability at its heart.
“This will support our ambitious plans for tourism development, generate new job opportunities for Saudi citizens, and help us to attract international and domestic tourists.”
Saudi Arabia is targeting 100 million visitors by 2030.
“The Red Sea’s offer of sun and sea tourism and the area’s ancient cultural heritage make it unique asset, ripe for investment,” Al Khateeb added.
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