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Saudi making all-out efforts to promote tourism sector

Monday, 26 November 2007

Jeddah, November 26: THERE is undoubtedly a big crater (gap) between tourism in Saudi Arabia and other countries.

Realising the importance of tourism to the national economy, in creating jobs for Saudis, and in promoting understanding, the kingdom has been making all-out efforts to promote the hospitality industry, spearheaded by the Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT).

Significantly, in its latest bid, SCT plans to make a crater — the Harrah Rahat (Rahat Volcano) an eco-tourism centre. Harrah Rahat on the 916 metres high Jabal Lamsa plateau near Madinah is a volcano crater with an enormous surrounding licorice-black lava field.

“Harrah Rahat is one of the most spectacular natural sites in the kingdom,” said Yusuf Al Mozaini, head of the tourism department in the Holy city of Madinah. “In terms of volcanic studies the site is immensely significant.”

He said that the tourism department, local municipality and the Saudi Geological Survey are currently working to preserve the natural features of the Harrah.

The volcano first erupted in this part of Arabia two million years ago and remained active until 1256 AD when it last erupted. Then, the fiery eruptions lasted nearly two months spewing lava and ash from a massive fissure south-east of Madinah, throwing up six cones of cinders. The lava flowed a distance of 23km from the crater.

According to historians, the depth of the lava flow was a long spear’s length, around three metres and it flowed like a red-blue boiling river, carrying in its way gravels, stones and trees, with a thundering noise.

The volcanic cinders have consumer uses as well. Glowing a pleasant red at 1,000 degrees Centigrade, volcanic cinders are ideal for lining gas barbecues. As firewood becomes scarcer in the region, kebab restaurants and grills increasingly turn to volcanic stone placed over gas fires. A visitor to the top of the mountain can view the city of Madinah in its full glory sprawling around the Prophet’s Mosque.

Abdullah urges development of historical sites in Jeddah

CUSTODIAN of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has urged municipal authorities to prepare a comprehensive study on how to develop Jeddah’s historical area and pledged to finance future initiatives.

During a recent visit to Jeddah Mayor Adel Fakieh’s office, Ibrahim Al Tasan, head of King Abdullah’s private affairs, said that there was a need to search for the best ways and viable programmes to preserve and develop the area, and added that programmes would receive financial support from King Abdullah.

Fakieh said that the support was a huge boost to Jeddah Municipality’s and SCT’s efforts to develop the historical area.

“With this support, the municipality will work on reforming safety measures and making plans to preserve the area, especially from fires, which are one of the primary dangers that currently face the area,” he said.

He explained that the historic area of Jeddah is known for its narrow lanes, which prevent fire engines from entering deep into it, and added that the area consists of over 500 structures built from limestone and wood, which help fires spread easily.

“The municipality has currently distributed fire extinguishing cylinders to all buildings in the area. Now we can re-plan safety measures by formulating the best ways to secure the area from fires and other sorts of danger. This support will prevent further tragedies — especially since many people live in old buildings,” he said.

He added that the area is currently undergoing massive development, which would create a substantial shift through consecutive rehabilitation phases. “In a few years, Jeddah’s historical area will become a renowned cultural and tourism area of the highest anticipated level,” Fakieh said.

In the next three years, the Jeddah Tourism Promotion Council (JPTC) is to undertake several new projects aimed at improving the region’s tourism industry, including the development of tourist locations in south Jeddah.

The projects that the JPTC intends to embark on include the development of a stretch of Red Sea coast — including parts owned by private individuals, the north Corniche and heritage areas such as the Souk Al Khamees at the Al Qauz Centre. The council also plans to issue licences to several museums in Jeddah and support cultural heritage activities in the area. The council has stressed the need to improve the quality of services offered to tourists, which is an important factor in attracting tourism, and highlighted the need to train more locals in the tourism industry.