The Tourism industry in Saudi Arabia could take a hit of up to 45 percent this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The news comes just months after the kingdom flung open its doors to the world in launching a new visa scheme for 49 countries in September last year, the Covid-19 outbreak slammed the shutters closed, with widespread measures implemented to curb the spread of the deadly virus.
“We believe this year the impact will be in the range of 35 percent – 45 percent decline, compared to last year, depending on how fast we will reopen the country and receive visitors, the sector has been severely impacted, hotels globally are suffering today from very low occupancy ratios, it is the case here in Saudi Arabia as well. We hope things get better in the next few weeks and we have a fast recovery.” – Ahmed al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism
