The Kingdom’s domestic tourism program has made unprecedented progress with a 27 percent growth this summer compared to 2010, Prince Sultan bin Salman, chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) said on Wednesday citing figures in a research report. Prince Sultan attributed the growth to the continuous efforts of the SCTA and its partners in various provinces as well as the organizing of about 15 tourism festivals in different parts of the country. He emphasized the role of Eid festivities in boosting domestic tourism. “Eid festivities offer a good opportunity for families and individuals to visit tourist resorts and historical landmarks in the Kingdom,” the SCTA chief said, adding that tourism development councils in the provinces have made arrangements for holidaymakers during Eid, offering them a variety of choices. He called upon Saudi businessmen to invest more in the tourism sector to increase facilities for the growing number of tourists and holidaymakers. “The government will play a leading role in the development of tourism, by providing loans, lands and infrastructure,” he said in an interview with Okaz. Prince Sultan disclosed plans to establish modern rest houses and hotels along the Kingdom’s highways for the service of travelers, tourists and holidaymakers. “We’ll start work on this project after Eid holidays. We are going to issue licenses to establish hotels having three to four levels to provide multiple choices for people. They will be in the form of furnished apartments offering hotel services,” he explained. He said the SCTA had carried out hundreds of projects since its establishment to promote domestic tourism. “We are now enjoying its fruits,” he said. He described the government’s decision to extend the licensing period for resorts to more than 50 years as “historic,” adding that it would boost domestic tourism. Prince Sultan disclosed plans to control prices at tourist resorts. “We have to have more tourist cities and investors should be given loans to carry out tourism projects in various parts of the country... If we have adequate number of hotels and furnished apartments it would contribute to reducing prices.” He emphasized the importance of developing tourist facilities along the highways to attract travelers. “Saudi families traveling between Riyadh and Jeddah now reach their destination in 10 hours. If we have attractive tourist centers along the highways they can enjoy them while traveling between the cities,” he said. Saudi Arabia has a lot of potential such as important historical and heritage sites and a large local and expatriate population to promote tourism. “The Kingdom can offer a lot for those interested in family tourism. We would like to establish tourist cities like Sharm El-Sheikh targeting families,” he said. The government’s decision to boost domestic tourism is a strategic one. It will not only boost economy but also create jobs for young Saudi men and women. At present about 900,000 people work in this sector. Prince Sultan said a large number of Saudi women work in his organization. “They are provided with suitable working atmosphere and training. Many women aspire to work with the SCTA.” He emphasized the importance of protecting the Kingdom’s valuable heritage and antiquities. The SCTA has excavated a large number of heritage sites and antiquities in various parts of the Kingdom with the support of foreign experts.