Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb Engages Entrepreneurs On Investment In Hail Region

During a visit to the Hail region, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb highlighted its potential for tourism investment. He met with entrepreneurs and investors, emphasising Hail's popularity as a tourist destination due to its rich history and diverse landscape. The minister stressed the importance of collaboration with the private sector, which he described as the "engine" driving tourism growth.

The Ministry of Tourism is actively working to attract investments by offering facilities to investors. One initiative is the Tourism Investment Enablers Program, which aims to reduce government fees in the hospitality sector by 22%. Additionally, municipal fees on hospitality facilities have been halted to further encourage investment in this sector.

Al Khateeb announced a study on the Tourism Development Fund aimed at supporting high-quality tourism projects worth over SAR billion. This initiative is expected to add more than 850 hotel rooms in the Hail region. The ministry's efforts are focused on enhancing infrastructure to accommodate growing tourist numbers.

In the first half of 2024, Hail's tourism sector attracted over 1.1 million tourists, both local and international. These visitors spent approximately SAR5.1 billion during their stays. The number of licensed hotel rooms in the region reached nearly 2,600, reflecting significant growth in accommodation capacity.

During his visit, Al Khateeb explored various tourist attractions and attended numerous heritage events in Hail. A notable stop was at the FAID Museum, where he reviewed opportunities to enhance tourists' experiences and improve service quality across the region.

The ministry is keen on strengthening ties with private enterprises to boost tourism further. By fostering such partnerships, they aim to create a more vibrant and sustainable tourism industry that benefits both local communities and visitors alike.

The ongoing initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing its tourism sector by leveraging its unique cultural heritage and natural landscapes. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to position Saudi Arabia as a leading global tourist destination.

With inputs from SPA