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Arabian Business, Saturday, Nov 16, 2019 | Rabi Al Awwal 19, 1441

Saudi Arabia needs 1m workers in tourism sector, says Red Sea Development Co CEO

Kuwait: Saudi Arabia needs “over 1 million people” to work in the tourism sector if it hopes to achieve its goal of attracting 100 million visitors by 2030, according to Red Sea Development Company CEO John Pagano.

Speaking at the Misk Global Forum in Riyadh on Wednesday, Pagano that volume of workers “doesn’t exist” at the moment.

In the case of the Red Sea Project – which is expected to create 70,000 new jobs – the development company has launched scholarships for students to study international hospitality management overseas.

“Within four days, we had 12,700 applicants enthusiastic to pursue careers in hospitality,” he said. “The future is golden for the youth of Saudi Arabia if you want to pursue a career in tourism.”

Gerard Mertrallet, a special envoy for the French president for the Al Ula historical site, said that he believes there are “lots of opportunities for young people” in tourism.

In the case of Al Ula, some young Saudis are being sent to train at culinary schools in France, he added.

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