Foundation and Objectives

Foundation:

The Saudi Council of Ministers issued resolution No. (9) dated 12/1/1421 AH corresponding to 16/04/2000 G to establish the Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT), stressing that the tourism sector is one of the productive sectors, and to contain the Saudi tourists within the country, to increase investment opportunities, human resource development, and creating new job opportunities for Saudi nationals.  Later on, given the importance of monuments and museums, Royal order No. 2/A dated 28/2/1424 AH corresponding to 30/04/2003 G was issued for the integration of Antiquities and Museums into the Supreme Commission for Tourism, and to become a body responsible for implementing the functions of antiquities as well as take up the responsibility for tourism.  Cabinet decision No. 78 dated 16/3/1429 AH corresponding 23/3/2008 G, the name Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT) was changed to Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), with a focus on domestic tourism as a reality that requires a national authority responsible for planning and development, taking into account the unique potentials of tourism in the Kingdom characterized by:

1.      The availability of modern infrastructure and excellent services for the development of the tourism industry

2.        Blessing of security and safety as characteristics of the Kingdom

3.        The genuine hospitality of the Saudi society

4.        Kingdom of a wide area of terrain with a variety of different climates and stunning views

5.        An abundance of archaeological, historical and cultural heritage sites of national distinctions

Objectives:

To raise public interest in the field of tourism in the Kingdom, organize and promote development, work continuously to strengthen the role of the tourism sector and to overcome obstacles to its growth as a major contributor to the national economy, in a manner consistent with the status of Saudi Arabia and its core values, to ensure the conservation and maintenance of monuments and enhance their contribution to the cultural and economic development, give adequate attention to the museums and the implementation of the advanced archaeological work is in the Kingdom.  Finally encourage the private sector to take precedence in the establishment of tourism facilities through investment in the Kingdom.