JEDDAH, 4 July — Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, said yesterday the government was determined to strengthen the country’s tourism sector as a means to bolster economic growth.
Addressing a meeting of the board of directors of the Supreme Commission for Tourism, Prince Sultan noted the increasing flow of tourists to the Kingdom’s resorts during this summer. He also commended the ongoing efforts to promote domestic tourism.
The meeting, which was attended by Interior Minister Prince Naif, endorsed the bylaws for the consultative council and groups.
Prince Sultan ibn Salman, secretary-general of the commission, told Saudi Press Agency that the implementation of the Kingdom’s tourism plan would take about 15 months.
“Prince Sultan, the chairman of the board, has affirmed that the government was committed to promoting this industry in a balanced manner,” the secretary-general said, adding that the commission would organize the sector in the best possible way even if it takes time. Prince Sultan ibn Salman underscored the partnership between the state and the private sector to promote tourism in the country. Prince Sultan has ordered setting up of a special committee to look into matters related to the commission’s annual budget and financial support for its activities.
The meeting, which approved the annual report for 2000, saw a presentation on the national tourism plan. It also discussed topics related to the commission’s general secretariat and approved its organizational structure.
The tourism board comprises Prince Naif, Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Prince Sultan ibn Fahd, head of the Youth Welfare Presidency, Prince Sultan ibn Salman, Finance and National Economy Minister Dr. Ibrahim Al-Assaf, Planning Minister Khaled Al-Gosaibi, Commerce Minister Osama Faqeeh, Agriculture and Water Minister Dr. Abdullah Muammar, Education Minister Dr. Muhammad Al-Rasheed, Municipal and Rural Affairs Minister Dr. Muhammad Al-Jarallah, Haj Minister Iyad Madani, Tarek Alireza, Fahd Al-Abikan, Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Ansari, Rashid Al-Humaid, Mazen Al-Naimi, Dr. Saud Al-Metahami and Ali Al-Zaid.
