This is with reference to the report “SR4.5bn worth of road projects to boost tourism in Asir region” (Nov. 19). I appreciate the authorities for making such an important decision.

There are many regions in Saudi Arabia, which can prove to be major tourists hubs. There is a wrong impression about the Kingdom that it is only a desert with huge sand dunes and nothing else. The truth is otherwise. There is a great need for promoting those places and informing people about those beautiful places that exist in the Kingdom. In addition to that, the authorities should focus on building the infrastructure of those areas to make them easily accessible to people. The main goal should be to encourage domestic tourists to visit such places in Asir and other regions. I am sure that if those places are properly developed, people who spend millions annually on visiting Europe etc. will start visiting places like Furasan island and other tourist spots within the Kingdom.

In the next phase, the authorities should focus on encouraging foreigners to visit the Kingdom on tourist visas. These measures are also very much relevant in the current economic situation. As we all are aware that oil prices are on the decline and there are talks of diversifying the Kingdom’s sources of income.