Riyadh – Mubasher: Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), Ahmed Al Khatib, said that around SAR 115 billion are ready to be invested in the tourism sector.

Investments would be through the tourism development fund, with a capital of SAR 15 billion, signing agreements with a number of local banks, the chairman added during his remarks at the Municipal Investment Forum (Furas).

There are more than 10,000 historic sites across the kingdom, he added, noting that the private sector plays an important role in developing the industry.

On the other hand, the biggest challenge is developing the infrastructure, despite that the kingdom enjoys road networks, telecom, and hotels.

The chairman of SCTH pointed to recent reforms including the tourist visa programme and allowing visitors from 49 countries visa-free entry, adding that 400,000 visas were issued during the first phase since the launch of the programme.

More reforms will be launches soon, after the recent launch of the new airport taxi, he further noted.

The target is to achieve $20 billion from the sector to the economy by 2030.