In a bid to boost local tourism, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) has formed a task force that will provide a 24-hour service for those needing assistance in the Kingdom this summer.

The SCTNH has also stepped up monitoring of the accommodation sector across the Kingdom urging both citizens and expatriates, in the event of any violations and complaints, to notify it immediately via the toll free number 19988 or through its nearest branch.
During the summer break, the commission will provide information at information centers at Taif and Asir airports, and through its 350 tourism information directory devices at the nation’s airports, hotels, malls and tourism sites.
It is expected that 17.8 million people will hit the road to various destinations inside the country, a 44.7 percent increase compared to last year, according to the Tourism Information and Research Center (MAS), the statistical arm of the SCTNH.
This year there will be about 70 tourism festivals and 620 other activities across the Kingdom, a 30 percent increase compared to last year including culture, heritage, sports, adventure and shopping festivals. The summer events are expected to create over 7,000 temporary jobs for young Saudis, said MAS.
The body also reported that Saudis heading overseas would increase by 36.9 percent to 8.8 million people and would likely spend SR36.2 billion, a rise of 37.1 percent.
This holiday is likely to see domestic tourism spending in the Kingdom hit SR20.6 billion, a whopping 53.7 percent rise compared to last year, largely because of the longer vacation of 117 days and unrest in other parts of the Arab world.
Commenting on the arrangements, an SCTNH official at the media department said the summer events this year will include more youth, women and children’s events in addition to cultural, sports, heritage and adventure activities.
There would be 100 programs designed for the “Live Saudi Arabia” trips to various parts of the country including heritage sites, museums, and cultural landmarks, he said.
Under its slogan on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, “Live it … Discover it,” the SCTNH is targeting local and Gulf tourists. It is also working with media across the region to highlight the attractions of the Kingdom.

Source: Arab News