Cabinet approves MoU on cooperation in Tourism with Saudi Arabia

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tourism, Government of the Republic of India and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism.

The Memorandum of Understanding aims at exchanging information and expertise in Legislation in the tourism development, Hotels, resorts and tourist accommodation facilities, Tourism data and statistics, Exhibition events and other tourism activities in States of the Parties, Tourism development, planning and investment; Licensing, operating and marketing tourism facilities, Agricultural Tourism,  Desert tourism etc

It also envisages exchanging media publications, tourism related films, and encourage exchanging of visits between experts and tourism media representatives in the States of the Parties

Encouraging organizing joint tourism events; participate in exhibitions, conferences and seminars held in the States of the Parties thus contributing to tourism development and crystallizing a joint tourism vision is another objective of the MoU.

It also aims at encouraging public and private education facilities working the tourism education and training field in the States of the Parties; exchanging innovative experience and technologies in the tourism field, and consultation services and cooperation and coordinating in international forums and organizations concerned with tourism affairs.

Introduction of tourism investment opportunities available in the States of the Parties and encouragement of  mutual tourism investment in tourism projects also part of the MoU.

India and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed a strong diplomatic and long economic relationship. The two parties now desiring to strengthen and further develop the established relationship with a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tourism, Government of the Republic of India and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism.

Saudi Arabia is one of the potential tourists generating market for India from Middle East. The signing of Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Arabia will be instrumental in increasing arrival from this source market.