新奇事件簿 沙特首次向49个国家游客开放旅游签证（在线收听）

There is a new destination on the world tourism map - Saudi Arabia. The desert kingdom has decided to open its doors to tourists from around the world. It has decided to issue tourist visas to people from 49 different countries. The visas can be applied for online and will take just seven minutes to issue. Saudi Arabia's government believes its country has huge potential to develop into a prime tourism destination. It has a wealth of natural attractions, deserts, World Heritage sites, beautiful beaches and unique cultures. The government also wants to make sure it can earn money from other industries besides oil and gas. It hopes tourism will contribute 10 per cent of the country's GDP by 2030.

世界旅游地图上出现了一个新目的地—沙特阿拉伯。这个沙漠王国决定向来自世界各地的游客敞开大门。它已经决定向来自49个不同国家的人发放旅游签证。签证可以在线申请，只需7分钟即可签发。沙特阿拉伯政府相信该国有发展成为主要旅游目的地的潜力。该国有着丰富的自然景观、沙漠、世界遗产、美丽的海滩和独特的文化。政府也希望确保自己能从石油和天然气以外的其他行业赚钱。其希望截止至2030年，旅游业可以为该国贡献10%的GDP。

Tourists will be allowed to stay in Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 90 days in one year. They can enter the Kingdom multiple times in that year. However, non-Muslims will not be allowed to visit the holy sites of Mecca and Medina. Ahmad al-Khateeb, chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, explained the importance of tourism to Saudi. He said: "Opening Saudi Arabia to international tourists is a historic moment for our country." He added that Saudi has a lot to offer: "Businesses from around the world will establish operations within the Kingdom as its unique attractions, culture and natural beauty become more widely appreciated."

游客一年内最多可在沙特停留90天。他们可以在那一年多次进入该国。但非穆斯林将不能访问圣地麦加和麦地那。旅游与国家遗产委员会主席Ahmad al-Khateeb解释了旅游业对沙特的重要性。他表示：“向国际游客开放沙特阿拉伯是我国的历史性时刻。”他还补充到，沙特可以提供很多东西：“随着沙特独特的景点、文化和自然美景越来越受到人们的喜爱，来自世界各地的企业将在沙特开展业务。”