Saudi's Red Sea tourism project to rope in big firms

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday announced the launch of an international tourism project in the Kingdom. It will be called the Red Sea Project, the Arab News reported.

Undertaken by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in cooperation with the world's largest hotel companies, the plan will see the development of exceptional resorts on more than 50 natural islands between the cities of Amlaj and Al-Jawh, said the Crown Prince's statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The planned site of the project is just a few kilometers from one of the Kingdom's protected reserves and inactive volcanoes in Harat Alrahat area.

"The project will be a leading coastal destination, located on a number of virgin islands in the Red Sea. Besides the project, the ruins of Madain Saleh are characterized by its construction beauty and great historical significance," said the statement.

"A few minutes from the main beach, visitors will be able to discover hidden treasures in the Red Sea area, including a nature reserve to explore the diversity of flora and fauna in the area. Adventure enthusiasts will be able to navigate between the inactive volcanoes located next to the project area, and dive enthusiasts explore the abundant coral reefs in the surrounding waters," the statement added.

It said the Red Sea project will contribute to a qualitative shift in the concept of tourism and hospitality since tourism is one of the most important economic sectors in the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

Source: Khaleej Times