Saudi Arabia: “Umrah-plus” tourism program begins after Haj

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – The “Umrah-plus” tourism program, which will allow pilgrims to visit the Kingdom’s tourist resorts, will be implemented following the end of the upcoming Haj season, said Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).

He said pilgrims from more than 65 countries would benefit from the program, which would be introduced with the support of Foreign and Interior ministries.

“The SCTA will also target expatriates working in the Kingdom, as well as foreign visitors, in a bid to boost domestic tourism,” he said.

Prince Sultan said, however, that tourist visas would not be issued yet because of big pressure on domestic tourism and delays in implementing tourism projects and developing infrastructure facilities.

“There are no plans to transform SCTA into a ministry at present,” he said, adding that a decision on the matter would be taken by higher authorities considering the need to restructure various economic sectors.

“The SCTA is an independent body and directly reports to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and its board of directors include representatives from 12 ministries,” he explained.

Prince Sultan said the SCTA would press for government loans to implement tourism projects, including hotels and recreational centers, adding that he would discuss the matter with Finance Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf.

He said the tourism sector would be able to create thousands of job opportunities for Saudi nationals.

“We will work with Saudi universities to develop academic programs to meet manpower requirements in the travel and tourism sector,” the prince said.

The SCTA chief opposed the concept of religious tourism for Haj and Umrah trips.

“We provide facilities for the guests of God. As I said before, we will help Umrah pilgrims to visit the Kingdom’s tourist resorts.”