Stamp of Approval: Saudi Arabia issues 400,000 tourist visas in five months

Saudi Arabia issued over 400,000 tourist visas since it opened its borders to international holidayers back in September 2019. The latest figure was announced by the country's top tourism official on Monday.

Though it's a significant number to be recorded in five months - especially in a country that only recently started rebranding itself as a hotspot for leisure tourism - the figure is a let-down when compared to the kingdom's goals. The country wants to host 100 million tourists by 2030, and to reach such a number in 10 years' time, it needs to up its efforts. 

Ahmed Al-Khateeb, chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (now the Ministry of Tourism), explained that one of the hurdles is the lack of infrastructure fit for tourists. 

Speaking during an investment conference in Riyadh, Al-Khateeb said, "The problem we have, or the big challenge we have, is that the infrastructure isn't there. The kingdom is very rich in this sector - it has natural treasures that need strong investments." 

Before tourist visa applications opened to the public last year, the kingdom was one of the most closed countries in the world. Getting a visit visa to Saudi Arabia was pretty complex unless it was for those traveling for the annual Islamic pilgrimage. 

The country hasn't been on the world tourism radar for decades, so it's only natural that it's going to take time for it to build up this industry. 

Despite the obstacles, Saudi officials remain focused on transforming and monetizing the kingdom's tourism sector. They're working on building more hotels and resorts and providing more flights to the country. 

Investors are also being encouraged to support the revitalizing and rebranding of existing national treasures like Al-Ula. 

The kingdom has made a leap from a time when traveling to it was restricted to business-related or religious purposes. 

From launching visas for tourists to trying to loosen some of its regulations, no stone has been left unturned in the bid to transform the local tourism industry. 

The country has also expanded its entertainment offerings for tourists and continues to work on developing luxurious accommodation options for them. 

Officials are currently working on developing Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast into a luxury beach destination governed by "independent laws." The project aims at transforming Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coastline into a global tourism hotspot, with luxury hotels and pristine beaches.