Saudi Arabia intends to play the leading role in world tourism. The government of the country of the Arabian peninsula has launched an internationalization project that will cause curiosity and also controversy.
Entitled The Red Sea, the initiative will transform 50 untouched natural islands totaling some 34,000 square kilometers – an area three times larger than Jamaica and almost twice as large as Israel’s – in a destination of Lux.
Construction will take place between the cities of Umluj and Al Wajh and will involve world-leading hospitality companies, the official statement said. Among the attractions, in addition to the construction of high standard resorts, are promised the delivery of a place aimed at the well-being, beaches, historical cultural activities by the sea and land.
In a place with an average annual temperature of 31 degrees, the Red Sea will form an archipelago that serves as home to endangered animals, coral reefs, among others. The area also covers dormant volcanoes and ruins of Mada’in Saleh, classified as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, which will serve as a tourist product. The project will also get in touch with local animal life including leopards, wolves and falcons.
The money for the project will come from the Public Investment Fund, the PIF, a government entity focused on investments in projects of the most diverse segments. The figures for the development of Red Sea, however, were not revealed.
SUSTAINABILITY?
To ensure the protection of the environment, the Arab government states that the project will be led according to an international standard.
Therefore, it promised the application of independent laws and a regulatory framework created and managed by a private committee. Although it has not revealed more details, it is guaranteed the protection of the local fauna and flora.
Construction work is scheduled for the third quarter of 2019. In the last three months of 2022, the delivery of the first part, which will include luxury hotels and residences and logistics infrastructure, will be planned: the airport and the sea port.
CURIOUS NUMBERS
Tourism is only behind oil production as the most participatory activity in Saudi Arabia’s economy. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) plans for this year the arrival of 18.7 million international tourists.
In an effort to attract more people from abroad, the country will exempt the visa for “most nationalities,” although it has not revealed which ones. However, it is projected to send one million visitors per year by 2035, with a limited number in order to protect and preserve the natural area.
Source: Panrotas
Photo: Reproduction