We have to decide whether we want to develop a tourist industry or not. If we decide we do, then we will have to put our minds to it and plan every related aspect: economic, social, cultural or whatever.
We shall also have to consider what influences tourism and its components will have on us and the country.
The planning which must be done has to be backed up by concrete support, including practical solutions to problems and the removal of obstacles instead of the creation of additional ones.
Tourism, according to Prince Sultan ibn Salman, secretary-general of the Supreme Commission for Tourism, is now one of the largest earners in the world. Its economic importance is no less than oil.
For this reason tourism should receive full support from all, including the state, the private sector and all members of the public.
Turning the sector into a viable and profitable business must be taken seriously; it can become an important asset and a major source of revenue.
This goal is not a possible one unless we change our opinion of tourism and to do so requires joint efforts from all groups and individuals. Tourism is one of our main exports. Yes, the Kingdom exports three main products: oil, capital and tourists.
We can continue exporting oil, but it is not in our interest to export the other two. In other words, we must try to stop the squandering of our wealth and put an end to spending money abroad. It is time the money hidden outside the country came home to be invested in local projects and also that we work to attract more foreign investment.
None of this will be possible unless the circumstances under which the tourist sector functions is changed. We have to avoid sensitivities, prevent the overlapping of jurisdictions and responsibilities, reform our antiquated legislation, correct misconceptions and join hands with the tourist authorities and work together for a common goal.
The Supreme Commission for Tourism was created to achieve specific objectives and not to become another administrative body with no responsibilities, no definite role to play and no reason for existing.
Arab News From the Local Press 20 November 2002
