(MENAFN-Arab News) Jazan Gov. Prince Mohammed bin Nasser said Friday that SR460 million had been allocated for the development of the Farasan Islands as a tourist destination

?The total cost of the project is SR3 billion,? he said

The governor was speaking during a meeting of the Tourism Development Council in Jazan to discuss ways of developing the Farasan Islands

At the meeting, Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), pledged his organization?s coordination with other government bodies to implement the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to convert the Farasan Islands to a national tourist destination for environmental tourism

?The islands will soon be a unique distinguished destination, provided with affordable services and resorts for every citizen,? said the SCTA president

The governor and Prince Sultan recently inaugurated the Rural Motels project in Abu Areesh in Jazan which will include 14 residential units in its first phase. The units are inspired by the old Tahami houses but with modern facades

The "village project" will also include a theater with a capacity of 4,000 people, four big ballrooms, a tree-lined pedestrian path and a restaurant which will serve home-cooked meals.