Prince Sultan bin Salman. (SPA)

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) has the potential to create a huge number of jobs for Saudis, the president of the body, Prince Sultan bin Salman, said Monday.

“This view is based on a number of studies and also the great attraction the sector has for Saudi citizens,” said Prince Sultan in a statement following a function to hand out prizes for outstanding tourism projects at the National Museum in Riyadh.

“The commission believes that the most important element for the development of tourism is the human factor. We aim to create thousands of jobs in the tourism sector, which is a major source of jobs in the world. But we do not want to expand the domestic sector at the expense of citizens by hiring workers from abroad,” the prince said.

He said the SCTA is working with the Ministry of Labor, the Human Resources Development Fund, the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation and other bodies to train Saudis for the sector. He said the industry was one of the most important in the country even though it has “not yet been organized in the desired manner.” The SCTA plans to ensure that there is financing for projects, and would soon launch several investment companies and initiatives, he said.

The prince said citizens want to work in the tourism and cultural heritage sector and invest in small and medium enterprises with financing support from the government.

“We want to ensure that citizens who work in these sectors have the highest level of training and qualifications. We will not accept anything less. Young Saudis are ethical, committed and love to work if they are given the right training and opportunities. They are also hospitable, generous and welcoming.”

He said the SCTA has now started executing its plans to create these jobs and hoped the government would help launch projects supporting tourism investment companies.

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