Riyadh: The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority (IARDA) has introduced five new opportunities in the realm of sustainable ecotourism. These initiatives are crafted to encourage the private sector to deliver top-notch tourism experiences in the authority's two reserves, while also fostering investment in ecotourism and improving visitor services.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the newly launched opportunities include two for operating picnic services, one for managing the Desert Adventure Area, another for providing desert ecotourism activities, and one more for running mountain biking activities. These offerings are tailored to enable ecotourism service providers to deliver a variety of tourism experiences that leverage the natural features of the two reserves, in alignment with the regulations and requirements that govern ecotourism.
IARDA has emphasized that this initiative is part of its broader efforts to develop ecotourism destinations, empower the private sector, and enhance its role in providing quality tourism services. This move aims to enrich the visitor experience and bolster the local community's economic development, while maintaining a balance between tourism growth and the preservation of the environment and its natural resources.
The authority has invited ecotourism service providers and other interested parties to explore the opportunities, requirements, and application process on its website (https://www.iarda.gov.sa/eco-tourism-applications). The final date for applications is set for August 8.