RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet welcomed on Tuesday achievements made by the Kingdom’s tourism sector after its World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Development Index ranking improved by ten places since 2019.
The Kingdom’s ranking jumped up ten places to 33rd in the Travel and Tourism Development Index 2021 overall rankings from 43rd in 2019.
The index is a biennial travel and tourism study that benchmarks 117 countries on 17 pillars crucial to the development and resiliency of their travel and tourism industries.
The Cabinet also commended the commencement of construction work on the Royal Arts Complex at King Salman Park, which will be a major beacon of culture and arts in Riyadh.
The Cabinet was briefed on a phone call between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, during which they reviewed bilateral relations as well as opportunities for joint cooperation in a number of areas.
It approved a memorandum of understanding between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in the field of environment.
The Cabinet also authorized the Minister of Culture – or a deputy – to hold talks with the Bahraini side regarding a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of culture between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.
It also authorized the Minister of Tourism – or a deputy – to hold talks with the Costa Rican side regarding a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of tourism between the Saudi and Costa Rican ministries of tourism.
