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User:Tarafa15/Saudi Arabia Tourism section

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Tourism

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Main article: Tourism in Saudi Arabia

Although most tourism in Saudi Arabia still largely involves religious pilgrimages, there is growth in the leisure tourism sector. According to the World Bank, approximately 14.3 million people visited Saudi Arabia in 2012, making it the world's 19th-most-visited country.[1] Tourism is an important component of the Saudi Vision 2030 and according to a report conducted by BMI Research in 2018, both religious and non-religious tourism have significant potential for expansion.[2]

Current projects include the Red Sea development, a luxury resort across 50 islands on the Red Sea coast; and the 334 sq km Al Qiddiya entertainment park, which will include a Six Flags theme park, water parks and motor sports. The first phases of both projects are due for completion in 2022.[3][4]

In Mecca, a $3.2 billion multi-use complex including hotels, restaurants and malls is being developed near the Grand Mosque to cater for Muslims making the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.[5]

Heritage sites in the northwestern Al-`Ula region, including the Nabatean tombs of Mada'in Saleh, are due to receive tourists in 2022.[6]

Saudi Arabia began issuing tourist visas in April 2018. The kingdom aims to attract 30 million tourists annually by 2030.[7]

Starting December 2018, the kingdom will offer an electronic visa for foreign visitors to attend sport events and concerts. The "sharek" visa process will start with 15 December, Saudia Ad Diriyah E Prix race.[8]

  1. ^ Tourism in Saudi Arabia: Wish you were here, economist.com.
  2. ^ Tourism key to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plans, arabianbusiness.com
  3. ^ "Saudi crown prince launches mega Red Sea tourism project". Arab News. 2 August 2017. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  4. ^ Kalin, Stephen; Rashad, Marwa. "Saudi Arabia launches multi-billion dollar entertainment resort". Reuters. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  5. ^ Mourad, Mahmoud; Paul, Katie (4 September 2017). "Saudi Arabia seeks Islamic tourism boost in test for heritage, tradition". Reuters. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  6. ^ Lazarus, Sarah. "Is Saudi Arabia the next big heritage tourism destination?". CNN. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  7. ^ Walker, Penny (2 March 2018). "The world's most conservative country is wooing tourists like never before". The Telegraph. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  8. ^ "Saudi Arabia to offer visitor visa for special events from December". Reuters. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
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