JEDDAH: The Kingdom still needs to grow more in terms of tourism and manpower, says a top industrialist.
“Saudi laws are still inadequate in terms of boosting tourism,” Dr. Nasser bin Aqeel Al-Tayyar, president of Al-Tayyar Travel Group, told Arab News in an interview.
Dr. Nasser, who has been ranked 13th overall by Arabian Travel News in 2010, is a prominent Saudi personality from the private sector in the tourism industry.
Despite the inadequacies in the Saudi tourism laws, Al-Tayyar group plays an important role in the tourism sector, promoting internal and external tourism in light of the global developments, thus enhancing its contribution to the GDP.
Through his vision, experience and education, Dr. Nasser has been able to lead Al-Tayyar Travel Group to various achievements over the past three decades.
“I expect a major renaissance in terms of the economy, especially investments and infrastructure,” he said.
“We also need to boost our infrastructure,” said Dr. Nasser.
“Building the Kingdom’s infrastructure and managing it is the biggest challenge that we face today. We have many projects that are pending and consequently delaying the country’s development and progress,” said Dr. Nasser.
“We should invest more in education. We should benefit from the 300,000 students who study abroad," he said.
He also stressed the need to secure women's economic, financial and social rights.
“Driving is a clear example about the rights that Saudi women have to get. Islam doesn’t ban driving by women,” he added.
