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 The ultra-conservative Muslim kingdom, relatively closed off for
decades, has in recent years relaxed strict social codes, like
segregating men and women in public places and requiring women
to wear all-covering black robes, or abayas.
Tourism chief Ahmed al-Khateeb told Reuters in an interview
ahead of the official announcement that abayas will not be
mandatory for women tourists but modest dress is, including at
public beaches.
He indicated that alcohol remains banned: "We will have enough
tourists to come to Saudi Arabia to enjoy other things."
Visas will be available online for about $80 (£65), with no
restrictions for unaccompanied women as in the past. Access to
the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina is restricted.
More details, including which countries are eligible, were
expected later on Friday. Khateeb said China, Japan, Europe and
the United States were among the top outbound targets.
Until now, foreigners traveling to Saudi Arabia have been
largely restricted to resident workers and their dependents,
business travelers, and Muslim pilgrims who are given special
visas to visit Mecca and Medina.
Plans to admit significant numbers of leisure tourists have been
discussed for years, only to be blocked by conservative opinion
and bureaucracy. An e-visa for sporting events and concerts was
introduced last December.
The move is part of de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin
Salman's ambitious plans to develop new industries to wean the
world's top oil exporter off crude and open up society including
by introducing previously banned entertainment.
Many of his reforms received international praise, but his image
has been tarnished by last year's murder of journalist Jamal
Khashoggi, the arrest of critics including prominent women
activists, and a devastating war in Yemen.
SEEKING INVESTMENTS
Tensions with arch-rival Iran have also flared. Riyadh blames
Tehran for an attack earlier this month on Saudi oil facilities,
which Iran denies.
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Khateeb, who chairs the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National
Heritage, said the country is "very, very safe" and the attack would
not impact plans to attract tourists.
Tourism is high on the crown prince's agenda, despite a shortage of
infrastructure. To drive growth, Khateeb estimated some 250 billion
riyals ($67 billion) of investments are needed, including 500,000
new hotel rooms by 2030 -- half at government-backed mega projects
and half from private investors.
The government wants to attract 100 million annual visits in 2030,
up from about 40 million currently. Contribution to GDP is targeted
to reach 10% from 3%.
Asked about negative perceptions of Saudi Arabia among some in the
West, he said: "I’m very, very sure they will have a better judgment
when they come and experience the life here in Saudi Arabia, and I
promise them they will leave with great memories."
The Gulf country, which shares borders with Iraq to the north and
Yemen to the south, boasts vast tracts of desert but also verdant
mountains, pristine beaches and historical sites including five
UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
"We remain authentic," said Khateeb. "We have a great culture where
many, many tourists would love to come and explore this culture and
learn more about it and see it and experience it."
The development drive aims at adding 1 million tourism jobs. Getting
hundreds of thousands of Saudis into the workforce remains a major
challenge for the crown prince, who has so far only managed to make
a dent in the official unemployment rate which remains over 12%.
(Reporting by Stephen Kalin, Editing by William Maclean)
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