Saudi Arabia is set to finally open its borders to conventional tourists, with the country planning to issue its first tourist visas in 2018. Previously, visas to the country were restricted to only those travelling for work or to visit its holy sites. “The targets are people who want to literally experience this country and the grandness of this country,” Prince Sultan bin Salman, head of the Saudi tourism and national heritage commission, told CNNMoney’s Richard Quest. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia wants to increase annual tourism spending to $47 billion by 2020. “Saudi Arabia holds tremendous tourist potential due its favorable temperature, historical and cultural heritage, natural beauty and rich marine life,” said Nikola Kosutic, senior research manager at Euromonitor, as quoted by CNN.

Source: Dhaka Tribune November 24, 2017 17:48 UTC