Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), has said that the tourism sector continues to receive the full support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Salman.

During the SCTA’s annual meeting at the Diplomatic Quarters in the Saudi capital recently, Prince Sultan underlined the support and cooperation received by the commission from ministries, regional governorates and municipalities in its efforts to launch tourism initiatives throughout the Kingdom,

“Saudi citizens have become familiar with national tourism and its development, and SCTA has shown readiness in the management of tourism and development sectors,” Prince Sultan said, adding that the commission is now in the stage of launching projects on the completion of the planning phase.

He indicated that 2014 is set to witness a major shift in the nation’s tourism industry. He explained that during its formative years the commission had begun work in a slow but steady pace and is now ready to take on greater responsibilities.

“We must be worthy of achieving their aspirations, especially as we have made very significant progress in raising awareness and mobilizing efforts for the development of our heritage and tourism sites,” Prince Sultan said.

He expressed regret that many Saudi citizens remain unaware of their country’s historic and cultural wealth, despite the archaeological discoveries that continue to confirm the Kingdom’s deeply rooted civilization.

“Today, the Saudi citizen is ready and welcomes the developments taking place in the tourism sector. This has been witnessed by the overwhelming response to domestic tourism and the developments taking place in the field”, he added.

Prince Sultan stressed that the success of the commission’s initiatives depends on the cooperation of citizens as well as their contribution and eagerness to be part of the development of tourism in their respective regions.