Representatives of travel companies of the planet are still cautiously looking towards this country, not risking offering their clients such a too exotic destination. Saudi Arabia is a very conservative country, its citizens live in the strictest observance of local laws and Sharia.
All liberties, entertainment and deviation from the rules are suppressed at the moment, so it is difficult even to say that tourism in Saudi Arabia has good prospects. And this is despite the fact that the country's authorities have finally decided to take some steps to develop such a profitable direction of the economy.
Visa - instantly
One of the first anticipated steps towards expanding the tourism sector is the introduction of a simplified visa scheme allowing entry into this country. At the first stage, it is planned that a simpler and faster visa processing will apply to citizens of 65 states. Perhaps, in the future, the list will be expanded.
Prior to this innovation, only neighbors, including the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, could use the right to visit Saudi Arabia for tourist purposes. The goal pursued by the authorities by introducing a simplified visa procedure is to replenish the state treasury, since oil prices, the main source of income, are declining every year.
A beach with the scent of oriental exoticism
Another important step in the development of tourism in Saudi Arabia will be a project, according to which its eastern coast will turn into a beach area. It is planned to invest almost $ 9 billion in the project and construction, part of which is local funds, the second half is funds of foreign investors.
This project has good prospects, since, in addition to spending time on the beach, there are opportunities to visit Qatar and Bahrain, located nearby states. Also, the recreation program may include a trip to the desert, acquaintance with the richest heritage of the ancient inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula.
It is clear that tour operators around the world are skeptical about plans to build a beach area in a country living under strict Sharia law. And this is confirmed by the recently built luxury hotel, in which there is a "women's floor", inaccessible to the courageous half of humanity. It is difficult to imagine what a beach might look like in this country, what requirements will be put forward for beachwear and swimwear.
