RIYADH: A delegation from the Kingdom recently visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to explore that country’s successful experience in tourism, in a bid to further develop the sector.

Saudi Arabia has been making all-out efforts to promote tourism, including the latest Umrah Plus move, where pilgrims would be allowed to visit places other than Makkah and Madinah.

The team comprising members of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) Al-Baha branch met officials from Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and discussed various aspects of tourism, an SCTA spokesman said.

Tourism in the UAE is an important part of the government’s strategy to maintain the high flow of foreign cash into the country, said the official, adding that the visit by the SCTA team was very fruitful.

The official said that the learning experiences for the delegation include exploring best practices and activating the joint plans between the partners in the tourism sector, such as municipalities, agriculture department, water and roads departments in order to establish, rehabilitate, develop, operate and manage tourism projects.

He said that the visit by Al-Baha tourism development support team was approved by SCTA president Prince Sultan bin Salman.

The visit is a result of joint efforts between SCTA and Al-Baha governorate to promote tourism in the province.

The official said that Zaher Al-Shihri, director of SCTA branch in Al-Baha, on behalf of members of the visiting team, appreciated SCTA president for his keenness and support to national tourism and for allowing them to exchange experiences on different tourism aspects.