The Saudi government has approved 24 new infrastrcuture projects - including 17 hotel properties in the Asir region in a major boost to its tourism housing sector, said a report.

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) said these upcoming hotels will be a tourist attraction all year round and not just during seasonal holidays, reported Saudi Gazette.

"There will be a total of four new five-star hotels in Abha - two each in Khamis Mushayt and Bisha besides a four-star property each in Abha, Bisha, Al Namas, Tanawamah and Bariq," said the report citing SCTH head Mohammad Al Umrah.

Apart from this, three-star hotel properties will come up in Abha, Khamis Mushayt, Ahad Rufaidah and Al Birak, he said.

With Asir fast turning into a tourist attraction, the number of hotels in the area is growing by 53 per cent, remarked Al Umrah.

These new projects will help boost tourism growth in this area all year round, he stated.

"Moreover, Al Ula Governorate in Madinah is also opening up as a tourist attraction as it is the first site to be recognized as a Unesco World Heritage site in the kingdom," he added.