أثر السياحة على اقتصاديات المملكة العربية السعودية

Abstract

ABSTRACT , The substantial growth of tourism activity clearly marks tourism as one of the most remarkable economic and social phenomena of the past century. Tourism is the world’s largest growth industry with no signs of slowing down in the 21“ century. WTO forecasts that international arrivals will top 700 million by the year 2000 and one billion by 2010. Like wise, eamings are predicted to grow to US$ 721 billion by the year 2000 and US$l.550 billion by 2010. The key benefits of tourism : 1- Export earnings international tourism is the worlds largest export earner and important factor in the balance of payments of many countries. Foreign currency receipts from international tourism in 1996 out stripped exports of petroleum products, motor vechiles, telecommunication equipments, textiles or any other product or service. 2 - Employment travel and tourism is an important job creator , employing an estemated 100 million people around the world. Research shows that job creation in tourism is growing 1'” times faster than any other industrial sector. 3 - Rural opportunities tourism jobs and businesses are usually created in the most underdeveloped regions of a country, helping to equalize economic opportunities throughout a nation and providing an incentive for residents to overcrowded cities. 4 - Infrastructure Investment travel and tourism stimulates enormous investments in new infrastructure , most of which helps to improve the living conditions of local residents as well as tourists. 5 - Gross domestic product (GDP) international and domestic tourism combined accounts for 11.7% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) and international tourism receipts 8 per cent of world exports. I Saudi Arabia interest in developing tourism and diversifying the national economic structure is reflected in a decree dated 17"‘ April 2000, whereby the High Commision for Tourism (HCT) has been established. The Commission will concentrate on developing tourism and enhancing the role of this sector, and on removing the obstacles that are likely to face it in its capacity as a major sources of revenue, especially, after the fluctuations that had occurred on oil prices during the years gone by. The task of establishing investment facilities will, for the most part, fall to the private sector, whereas the Commission itself will be responsible for developing a general policy to promote the tourism sector.