The Saudi Ministries of Tourism and Environment and the Tourism Development Fund signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation and encourage investment in the tourism sector in the Kingdom in line with the objectives of the national tourism strategy to contribute to achieving the goals of Vision 2030.
The agreement included a set of objectives, including enhancing cooperation to support and develop the tourism sector in the Kingdom, finding a mechanism for joint coordination, and facilitating procedures regarding tourism projects and activities that fall under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.
It also aims to raise the readiness of tourist destinations and overcome obstacles to tourism development and other related businesses as one of the tributaries of the national economy.
The agreement included cooperation in marketing to create tourist experiences, attract tourism investments, evaluate tourism opportunities and projects, and define the most appropriate type of investment per the necessary standards and guarantees.
Under the agreement, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture will train and qualify employees working in tourist sites through workshops and courses.
They also seek to exchange experiences in the field of control and inspection of tourist accommodation facilities.
Authorities agreed to develop several tourist sites by identifying their needs and requirements to prepare their development plans. They also want to encourage the private sector and attract investors by creating a mechanism to utilize the specified sites.
The Saudi government approved the decision allowing the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture to lease the lands it regularly supervises and wants to invest per the rules and regulations in tourism and development projects.