RIYADH - Saudi Arabia threw open its doors to foreign tourists on Friday , launching a new visa regime for 49 countries and appealing to foreign companies to invest in a sector it hopes will contribute 10 per cent of gross domestic product by 2030.
He indicated that alcohol remains banned:"We will have enough tourists to come to Saudi Arabia to enjoy other things." Plans to admit significant numbers of leisure tourists have been discussed for years, only to be blocked by conservative opinion and bureaucracy. An e-visa for sporting events and concerts was introduced last December.
SEEKING INVESTMENTS Tensions with arch-rival Iran have also flared. Riyadh blames Teheran for an attack earlier this month on Saudi oil facilities, which Iran denies. The government wants to attract 100 million annual visits in 2030, up from about 40 million currently. Contribution to GDP is targeted to reach 10 per cent from 3 per cent.