Kuwait is set to launch a major tourism initiative with an estimated cost of KD 12 million. It aims to attract 100,000 foreign visitors annually by 2028. The project, currently in its preparatory phase, is expected to create around 1,830 job opportunities for Kuwaiti professionals once fully operational.
Key features of the project include:
- Repurposing 25 heritage buildings into cultural and enlightenment centers, helping preserve the country’s heritage.
- Supporting twenty annual cultural youth initiatives, fostering creativity and engagement among the youth.
- Creating a smart cultural heritage tourism platform (a cultural map) to engage and connect citizens with their cultural roots.
- Building 10 cultural tourism bus stations, along with 50 public squares and rest areas near archaeological sites. This will make heritage tourism more accessible.
- Developing 50 restaurants and cafés dedicated to serving tourists at cultural centers.
Additionally, the project aims to:
- Study and restore heritage buildings, with plans to examine and register 500 previously unexamined buildings and restore 500 registered buildings.
- Create a platform for cultural tourism by connecting the private sector with government efforts. This will help preserve cultural heritage and enhance sustainable urban development.
This initiative, highlighted as part of Kuwait’s broader development plan, will enhance the “Al-Ahmadi Cultural Platform”. It is a model for cultural and urban heritage. It integrates a Smart Interactive Cultural Tourism Initiative that includes the cultural map, buses, and community engagement. This is to foster sustainable cultural policies and strategies.
Moreover, the project will contribute to global marketing of Kuwait’s cultural significance. It will raise awareness among international heritage and cultural organizations. It will also strengthen the public-private partnership for investment in the sector.
This effort is a significant step towards integrating cultural tourism with the country’s economic, educational, and social landscape. It will provide a vibrant opportunity for growth in Kuwait’s tourism sector.
