RIYADH – The "Saudi Seasons" festivals represent one of the key engines that gave a huge impetus to the Kingdom's tourism business and enabled the Kingdom to make giant leaps toward becoming one of the major tourist destinations in the world. In light of the multitude of major events and unique tourism experiences that continue throughout the year in most cities and regions across the Kingdom, these seasons have become a global tourism icon, capable of providing all the travel and tourism lovers around the world what they aspire to in terms of the beauty of cultural and natural diversity as well as world standard services at major tourist destinations, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Kingdom has set its goals in the backdrop of its ambitious Vision 2030, to make tourism and entertainment one of the most important areas that promote and stimulate the national economy, in addition to enhancing the quality of life program for both citizens and visitors. The ongoing Riyadh Season, the latest and largest of all these seasons, is of great importance to all those who are interested in the field of travel and tourism around the world after it had received tremendous reactions because of the popularity of the season, in terms of the number of visitors and local and international interaction, especially after the Kingdom's opening of its doors to international tourists with launching a new visa regime, featuring a lot of attractive incentives and simpler and easier procedures. The capital city of Riyadh has become an important international destination for tourists from around the world as it witnesses a pioneering renaissance in all vital fields besides the unique diversity of its activities. Through the Riyadh Season, the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage seek to advance tourism development in the Kingdom and achieve the goals of the future vision, which is based on upgrading local tourism and leisure sectors and enhancing the state's efforts to empower the Saudi citizen by providing important opportunities to entrepreneurs in the entertainment sector. Through the Riyadh Season, GEA aims to include Riyadh as one of the best cities to live in the world, by improving lifestyle and achieving the objectives of the quality of life program, which aims to promote the well-being of Saudi society and develop and diversify local development opportunities. While the Riyadh Season has achieved its objectives by activating the role of institutions and society to promote local tourism in accordance with international standards in regards to tourism and entertainment, and what the community aspires, which contributed to change the quality of life of citizens, visitors and tourists. The festival has changed the social lifestyle of the Saudi society so that the family can identify their entertainment needs through an electronic icon and enjoy the packages consisting of international entertainment, as well as cultural and social events and activities.
