Tourism fast-tracked

Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry received a big boost yesterday when the Cabinet decided to develop service centers and gas stations along highways within two years.
The Cabinet instructed the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs to prepare a comprehensive program for the purpose within six months. The two-year implementation period could be extended if necessary, said Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja.
The ministry was also asked to develop an incentive program for investors in the vital sector in coordination with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities and other relevant parties.
“These incentives could include an integrated privileges program for fuel stations and service centers,” the Cabinet said, adding that such centers should take steps to employ maximum numbers of Saudis.
The Cabinet instructed the ministry to identify and license qualified firms that can establish, operate and maintain fuel stations and service centers along highways on the basis of required criteria in coordination with the Ministry of Transport.
“Owners of existing gas stations and service centers on regional highways will be given two years from the date of implementing the program to correct their status,” Khoja said.
SCTA President Prince Sultan bin Salman applauded the Cabinet decision saying it would boost domestic tourism. “It will encourage people to travel by road and reduce pressure on flights,” he said.
The national tourism development strategy had called for improving services to passengers traveling by road as about 90 percent of travels between the Kingdom’s regions take place by roads, he pointed out.
Malaysia, which attracts a large number of Saudi tourists every year, has already established advanced service stations along its highways.
Travelers can find after every 10 km resting places with restaurants, fruit and vegetable stalls, groceries, gas stations, workshops, mosques and comfort rooms.