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Tourists in Saudi 'want to be able to drink' says AccorHotels CEO
Speaking to Arabian Business, Sébastien Bazin said the kingdom will need to make certain exceptions for tourists in order to attract visitors to the country.
“… a destination means people want to live. They want to have fun. They want to be able to enjoy music. They may want to be able to drink. Maybe the [Saudi] government in place will allow it only in certain destinations...NEOM is one of the examples of what they will be exempting from many local rules,” the CEO said. https://www.arabianbusiness.com/trav...ccorhotels-ceo |
Currently alcohol is allowed or at least tolerated in foreign embassies, right? And people wear typical western dress, maybe somewhat modest, in foreign compounds? Is KSA creating resort communities that are not available to citizens (and certain residents) as guests in any form, just as employees? That would seem very different from what I understand to be the situation in parts of the UAE with many foreign expats being able to get alcohol permits and foreign guests being able to consume alcohol in major hotels (which seems to include local hotels as well as foreign chains), although of course at high prices. |
Girls just want to have fun (cit. C.Lauper) and men just want to have one beer (cit. S.Bazin) |
Well on that I agree with Bazin. Loosening the booze restrictions alone though will not encourage tourism to Saudi.
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Relaxing the alcohol restrictions would help encourage tourism in Saudi Arabia. A lot of people leave Saudi Arabia to go get boozed-up, amongst other things, in neighboring countries.
Originally Posted by MSPeconomist
(Post 30900857)
Currently alcohol is allowed or at least tolerated in foreign embassies, right? And people wear typical western dress, maybe somewhat modest, in foreign compounds? Is KSA creating resort communities that are not available to citizens (and certain residents) as guests in any form, just as employees? There is also a lot of alcohol consumed by the members of the Saudi royal family. Most such males get away with it unless and until they rub a more senior royal the wrong way. |
Except for alcohol, it’s a great new to know Saudi Arabia since last year is changing mentality on tourism there are still to many beautiful countries in the world unfortunately now “closed” to tourism, due to many and different (and sad) issues. I’m sure is a dream for a lot of people to visit one time in life marvellous places like La Mecca, independently from religious purposes. I hope one day it will be possible. For now, it’s still a good conquest for all (tourists or just simple world citizens) to be allowed to visit Saudi Arabia. |
Maybe Accor can start by introduce apple cider to their property in KSA :D
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Be nice if they'd alcohol to the Novotel Sarajevo and the Mercure Lisboa Almada! Caught out by both this year. Mocktails just don't cut it for me!
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So..people travel to a DRY country...intentionally, and knowing that to be the case.. then whine because they can't get a drink? Am I out of step here in thinking that is a bit..odd?
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Agreed! ... alcoholic drink (non alcoholic apple cider excluded) should not become obstacle to enjoy nice hotel. |
Originally Posted by trooper
(Post 30924980)
So..people travel to a DRY country...intentionally, and knowing that to be the case.. then whine because they can't get a drink? Am I out of step here in thinking that is a bit..odd?
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