Tourism & Hospitality | Sunday 9 August, 2015 4:53 am |

The Eastern Province municipality pays great attention to marine tourism which accounts for 90 percent of the province’s tourism. Facilities are provided for marine sports, boats, cruise ships and sports marine tanks. In addition, this provides an appropriate investment environment, said Muhammad Al-Sufaian, the municipality spokesman.
Al-Sufaian said that the mayoralty had equipped all beaches and places of entertainment with tourists’ needs, including green spaces, children’s games as well as free wireless Internet service.

Concerning high rental prices of marine entertainment, the spokesman said that the mayoralty did not set prices. When a complaint is received, it is referred to the relevant authority. 
Al-Sufaian said: “The mayoralty has spared no effort in the allocation of investment sites, as all places allocated for marine tourism investment are rented at competitive prices and for long term.
However, the EP visitors and residents repeatedly complain of poor services and high rental prices for beaches and marine entertainment means in the province. They demand the authorities to reconsider these vital projects and encourage investment there according to strict regulations in order to raise the level of the provided services.

They said that marine tourism was not up to the desired level, not commensurate with its various beaches and parks, and the waterfronts lack high-quality tourism services.
Saleh Al-Gelaud, a citizen, said: “The region lacks high quality entertainment with competitive prices which would attract citizens and visitors. The existing existed marine tourism projects lack means of safety and organization and also are very expensive.”

Meanwhile, one investor, Badr Al-Rashidi, said that the activity of renting marine entertainment suffers from the scarcity of investors, poor infrastructure, and lack of visitors or tourists, confirming that some locations have no restaurants and buffets that attract visitors and increase investment opportunities.
He said: “There are some restaurants and cafes on the waterfronts, but they are not well-equipped; therefore, the authorities pay annual compensation to investors due to the low turnout and losses incurred.”

Another investor said that summer vacations and holidays were the only season for marine activities, but the demand becomes weak in winter, explaining that the waterfronts of Dammam and AlKhobar have no dedicated boats for fishing or cruising, in contrast to Half Moon and Azizia beaches.
Muhammad Salman, owner of a cruise boat, said: “Investment in marine tourism is profitable, but there are several obstacles, including the suspension of licenses for walks and boat rentals at Half Moon Beach. I am still trying to get a license to start my business there.”
As for the price of rental, Salman said that it depended on the site, the time taken, and also the weather.