新奇事件簿 沙特首次向49个国家游客开放旅游签证

There is a new destination on the world tourism map - Saudi Arabia. The desert kingdom has decided¹ 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 applied² 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 Heritage³ 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 Commission⁴ for Tourism and National Heritage, explained the importance of tourism to Saudi. He said: "Opening Saudi Arabia to international tourists is a historic⁵ 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。”

1 decided   

adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的

参考例句：

• This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
• There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。

2 applied   

adj.应用的；v.应用，适用

参考例句：

• She plans to take a course in applied linguistics.她打算学习应用语言学课程。
• This cream is best applied to the face at night.这种乳霜最好晚上擦脸用。

3 heritage   

n.传统，遗产，继承物

参考例句：

• The ancient buildings are part of the national heritage.这些古建筑是民族遗产的一部分。
• We Chinese have a great cultural heritage.我们中国人有伟大的文化遗产。

4 commission   

n.委托，授权，委员会，拥金，回扣，委任状

参考例句：

• The salesman can get commission on everything he sells.这个售货员能得到所售每件货物的佣金。
• The commission is made up of five people,including two women.委员会由五人组成，其中包括两名妇女。

5 historic   

adj.历史上著名的，具有历史意义的

参考例句：

• This is a historic occasion.这是具有重大历史意义的时刻。
• We are living in a great historic era.我们正处在一个伟大的历史时代。