RIYADH: A deal has been signed to promote eco-tourism in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It was signed between the Ministry of Tourism, the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, and the Saudi Tourism Authority.

It is aimed at raising the readiness of tourism and environmental sites and initiating opportunities based on development in the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority and the King Khalid Royal Reserve. Areas of Rawdat Khuraim and Thumama Park will also benefit from the memorandum of understanding.

It is part of the initiative to support tourist destinations, in line with the Kingdom’s Quality of Life Program.

The deal will also contribute to enhancing coordination between agencies in preparing plans and programs for tourism attractions and investment, based on environmental and product marketing development.

Prince Saud bin Nahar, deputy minister of tourism regional activation, said the agreement was one of the many methods to enhance joint cooperation between government agencies to develop the country's tourism sector.

CEO of the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, Talal Al-Harigi, said the purpose of the agreement was to initiate integration with the national sectors for the development of eco-tourism, which would provide many opportunities for SMEs, diversify the economic base of the local community and the environment, and create direct and indirect job opportunities for Saudis in the development and eco-tourism sectors.

“It also aims at strengthening the existing efforts to protect and develop the reserves, making them available for visits by local and global (tourists), in order to achieve the desired goals for the establishment of royal reserves,” he added.