Chinese top among tourists to enter KSA this month

ISLAMABAD: Chinese nationals have topped the number of foreign visitors to enter Saudi Arabia since September this year, according to the Saudi Foreign Ministry.
The ministry revealed the number of visitors from the top 10 countries using the new system — with China topping the list with 7,391 tourists, the UK, and the US on second and third slots with 6159 and 2132 visa applicants respectively.
France and Germany were also on the list, with Canada, Malaysia, and Russia just behind the top three. Australia and Kazakhstan were in ninth and tenth place, the ministry revealed. 
The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) announced the launch of e-tourist visa welcoming visitors from all over the world on September 28, which coincided with the World Tourism Day. 
The one-year multiple-entry visas allow tourists to spend up to 90 days in the country.
Ahmad bin Aqil Al-Khatib, chairman of the SCTH board of directors said on the occasion that the Kingdom was opening its doors to the world. “We are hospitable people who welcome and honor their visitors, who will witness the importance of hospitality, beauty of nature and cultural depth in the Kingdom.”
Saudi Arabia is not only welcoming visitors but also investors, Al-Khatib said.
“I am glad to announce attracting 115 billion riyals so far, which indicates the world’s trust in the Saudi market’s strength and its potential,” he added.
According to the SCTH, there are over 10,000 historical sites in Saudi Arabia while the sites registered under UNESCO’s World Heritage list represent only part of the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and marvelous destinations for world viewing.
Under the Saudi national tourism strategy, the kingdom will receive 100 million visitors annually by 2030 while currently, it receives 41 million, the SCTH said.