Ronnie Biggs

http://www.constructionweekonline.co...ourist-centre/

One to look out for in the Kuoni brochure.

Millhouse

I detect an element of sarcasm there Ronnie.

dubaiguy2011

You could do a nice 2 centre break - citybreak in Riyadh to take in the executions followed by a nice relaxing beer by the sea up in Jeddah.

Millsyisland

Mmmmm, flavoured malt beverages...

britexpat76

The Prince has identified key areas which need to be addressed before Saudi Arabia can hope to provide a credible tourist alternative to its Gulf rivals.

Realising its 2012 and not 1630 would be a good start before they piss about and build anything.

dubaiguy2011

Allowing tourists into the country might be a useful start too.

britexpat76

Except Mecca which will always attract Muslims, WTF does Saudi have to offer?

It must rank somewhere between syria and Oldham as a holiday destination....

Miss Anne Thrope

That is the tourist appeal. There are over a billion non-Saudi muslims and for very many of them Saudi Arabia on Al Jazeera, cradle of Islam and site of the two holy mosques, is an intrinsically appealing destination. And it means Saudi doesn't have to compromise their cultural norms. You may find it counter-intuitive but just ask any of your muslim acquaintances.

There is also quite a lot of archaeological, historical and natural interest in Saudi though they don't make much of it for religious reasons. Not everyone wants to get pissed by the pool/beach on holiday...

homersthirdnipple

It would be nice to have the option of getting pissed by the pool/beach and venture out to the cultural sites.

homersthirdnipple

Obviously not being pissed when visiting said cultural sites I hasten to add.

dragonladyoz

They are really only looking to the muslim traveller market - much like thousands of Catholics go to Rome or other locations on pilgrimage and then do other things whilst they are there. Don't think they are interested in the average European tourist!

britexpat76

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss Anne Thrope

That is the tourist appeal.

I am aware of that, that's why I said, 'Except Mecca'

flares

Mada'in Saleh - UNESCO heratige site. Look it up. Over 100 examples of Nabetean tombs. Went last year and it is amazing especially as there's no tourists.

Also there's now a stop on the Middle East Golf Tour in Riyadh. In October at Dirab. May head down and see if any pros want a caddy (strictly for carrying the bag, not reading putts)

Miss Anne Thrope

I'd love to go - mind you, if I recall, it was travelling to visit there that the French residents were attacked and killed a few years ago before the kingdom got a grip on the local irhabis.. There is another, less dramatic Nabatean site as well I believe and some curious stuff down in the mountains near Yemen.

Boomhauer

Aren't some Saudi hardliners destroying tombs from Muhammed's era and before because according to them it encourages idolatry?