Riyadh – Mubasher: Saudi Arabia plans to resume tourist visas by early 2021 following months of suspension amid strict government measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the kingdom's Minister of Tourism, Ahmed al Khateeb, told Reuters.
"For tourist visa, until now we are talking about early next year. If things get better or if any positive developments happen with regards to the vaccine, we might accelerate and have it earlier," al Khateeb remarked.
In late-February, the GCC nation closed its borders to foreign pilgrims and to tourists from around 25 countries, while in March; it barred all travel in and out of the country.
The minister revealed that the tourism sector is predicted to see a 35%-45% decline by the end of the year.
"We have noticed a growth of 30% year-on-year in domestic tourism which is beyond our expectations," he continued.
Tourism is a key pillar of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's ambitious reform strategy to reduce the economy's dependence on oil. The kingdom wants the sector to contribute 10% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.
