Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is being held back by out-of-date visa regulations and processes, one of the leading figures in global tourism has warned.

Speaking at the inaugural Saudi Hotel Investment Conference in Riyadh on 26 February, Gerald Lawless, chairman of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), said that he was aware that Riyadh was reviewing its visa processes but called for faster action.

“We keep hearing that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is going to open up its visa situation, but it does not seem to be happening quickly enough,” said Lawless. “It has cost me AED3,000 to come to Riyadh for one day. That is a huge cost and a barrier to visits.”

Riyadh has made the development of the kingdom’s tourism sector one of the central planks of its Vison 2030 development strategy, and has launched several large projects aimed at attracting more visitors to the kingdom.

Speaking on stage with the president of Cachet Consulting Anita Mediratta, Lawless, who previously was CEO of Dubai hotel operator Jumeirah Group, said that using digital technology and allowing visas on arrival would provide a significant boost to the Saudi tourism sector.

“About 16 years ago, Dubai and the UAE took the decision to waive reciprocal agreements and allowed visas on arrival for 30 nations,” he said. “It made a huge difference to Dubai’s development.”

“That is what is so important about visa waiver programmes and using digital technology,” he said. “We at WTTC have worked hard to encourage governments to look at the introduction of electronic e-visas. Having one common platform will enhance security, [improve] safety and ease doing business.”

Lawless also called for the introduction of an open skies aviation policy in Saudi Arabia in order to drive higher visitor numbers.

“If an airline wants to do business with you, why would you not let them?” he said.