Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Saudi Crown Prince Launches Global Tourism Project | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
Select Page
Media ID: 55380116
Caption:

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (Reuters)


Jeddah – Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz announced on Monday the launching of an international tourism project in the Kingdom under the name of the “Red Sea Project”, which will be built in one of the world’s most beautiful and diverse natural spots, in cooperation with the world’s largest hotel companies.

The project aims to develop exceptional resorts on more than 50 natural islands between the cities of Amlaj and Al-Jawh, just a few kilometers from one of the Kingdom’s protected reserves and inactive volcanoes in Harat Alrahat area.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which is chaired by Prince Mohammed, will inject initial investments into the project and open partnerships with leading international companies, which will bring new and direct investments to the Kingdom while seeking to attract and redirect Saudi tourism expenses into the country.

The project will be a leading coastal destination, located on a number of islands in the Red Sea, the SPA reported on Tuesday.

Visitors will be able to discover hidden treasures in the Red Sea area, including a nature reserve, which highlights the region’s diversity of flora and fauna.

Adventure enthusiasts will be able to traverse routes between the inactive volcanoes located next to the project area, while divers would be able to explore the abundant coral reefs in the surrounding waters.

As tourism is considered as a main pillar in the success of Vision 2030, the Red Sea Project will contribute to a qualitative shift in the concept of tourism and hospitality.

Heritage sites will also be rehabilitated on a scientific basis to accommodate visitors.

The global tourism project will be developed as a private area where systems will be applied in accordance with international best practices and expertise to enable the achievement of the project objectives.

Construction will begin in the third quarter of 2019, with a first phase that includes expanding a domestic airport and developing luxury hotels and housing, expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2022, the SPA statement said.