Saudi Arabia throws open door to tourists
Saudi Arabia is throwing open the door for tourists.
Deserts, souks and relics of the ancient world are among the attractions.
A new visa programme will make them accessible to people from 49 countries.
It's a big change for the kingdom.
Until now access was largely restricted to resident workers, business travellers and Muslim pilgrims.
The Saudi tourism minister says the holiday business is too small a chunk of the economy right now:
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AHMED AL KHATEEB, CHAIRMAN OF THE SAUDI COMMISSION FOR TOURISM AND NATIONAL HERITAGE, SAYING:
"In our case today, it is about 3% but we have a great opportunity to grow it to 10% which is the global average, and to diversify our source of revenue as a government and to strengthen our GDP."
Some places will remain restricted.
Notably the holy cities of Medina and Mecca - site of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
But the country is trying to make travelers feel welcome.
Women won't be required to wear the all-covering black robes called abayas.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AHMED AL KHATEEB, CHAIRMAN OF THE SAUDI COMMISSION FOR TOURISM AND NATIONAL HERITAGE, SAYING:
"The abaya is optional. We will definitely make it clear for people when they apply for visa whether online or at the counter, they will know the dress code. But it is modest. We have a culture, we believe our friends and our guests will respect the culture but definitely it is modest and it will be very clear."
It's all part of moves by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to wean the country off dependence on oil.
China, Japan, Europe and the U.S. are among the target markets.
Travelers from those countries will decide if Saudi Arabia is the next tourist hotspot.
