COVID-19 strengthens tourism sector as key driver for economic growth, recovery: Minister

Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb

The coronavirus reflected the importance of the tourism sector as a key driver for economic growth and recovery, Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said during the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

He added that the Kingdom calls on donor countries to participate in financing the first international fund to support the tourism sector.

The Saudi government’s pledge to provide $100 million for the establishment of the tourism support fund, in cooperation with the World Bank, contributes to supporting the communities affected by the pandemic, the minister said.

He noted that the move also helps such communities to overcome the devastating impact of the coronavirus and other global crises, indicating that the entire international community bears the responsibility of accelerating recovery and flexibility.

The international cooperation is indispensable to achieve the desired economic growth, Al-Khateeb said, calling on donor countries and the private sector to contribute to setting up the fund.

The minister underlined the efforts made by the Kingdom for the tourism sector, which is one of the pillars of the global economy.