RIYADH, 29 July — Saudis will spend 2.8 percent of the total global spending on tourism by the year 2005, according to a new book released here recently.
Increased spending on tourism, likely to grow between 5 and 12 percent annually on a global level, will intensify competition among local and international tour operators as well as major tourist hubs around the world which generate substantial revenue from the sector.
“Saudi Arabia occupies eighth position with regard to the number of tourists traveling abroad,” said a 157-page book focusing on tourism in Saudi Arabia with special reference to the Asir province.
The book titled “Asir: Origin, Development and Tourism” in English is published by the Ministry of Information.
In six chapters, the book gives an overview of the domestic tourism industry. Only 24 percent of Saudi tourists visit summer resorts in the country, while 29 percent travel to Arab countries and the rest, or 47 percent, visit different destinations in the US and Europe, according to the book. Saudis spend a total of SR17 billion annually on foreign travel.
The book gives a picturesque view of the beautiful landscape and tourist attractions of Asir — its high mountains, rocky terrain, valleys and natural parks. “This region has acquired a tourism fame matching that of international summer resorts such as those located in Switzerland, Austria and Spain,” says the book.
Asir is home to various species of flora and fauna. Its wildlife includes wolves, hyenas, tigers, foxes, monkeys, deer and rabbits. A variety of creepers and birds are found in the region.
The book predicts that some two million tourists will visit Asir annually, generating a sum of SR6 billion in tourism revenue.
The region has 30 world-class hotels and 156 major tourist attractions. The Asir National Park covering an area of 445 hectares is one of the wonders of Saudi Arabia. It attracts visitors from around the globe.
Al-Suhab, Dalqan, Al-Qara, Al-Jara, Al-Hadaba and Al-Habla are other attractive sites for visitors.
