22 May 2016
JEDDAH: The Kingdom is transforming the tourism sector as part of Vision 2030 to attract investment, according to Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH).

Prince Sultan made the comments during the opening session of the First International Conference on Tourism for Development organized by the United Nations Organization for Tourism in Beijing on Thursday. "We look forward to adopting tourism initiatives as part of the Kingdom's transformation program," he said.

The international conference was attended by tourism ministers of the G20 group of nations and prominent experts from across the world. Prince Sultan said the plans for the sector was part of the "unique vision" of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to protect the nation's heritage.

He said the SCTNH was established by the Saudi government 15 years ago to develop the industry. He said Vision 2030 was essential for the Kingdom's future, in reference to the plan announced on April 25 to transform the economy away from its dependence on oil.

© Arab News 2016