LOCAL VIEWPOINT
By Sulaiman Al-Issa
Okaz newspaper


AS summer and the end of the academic year draws near, many have begun to draw plans as to where they would be spending the hot summer months. Some are thinking of traveling abroad, while others will be spending the hot season in the summer resorts of Taif, Asir and Al-Baha in attractive surroundings and moderate weather.

Tourism is a very viable prospect in our country. The question however is: Have the tourism committees, concerned authorities and businessmen thought about creating an attractive tourism industry in our country? Have the requirements for effective tourism been fulfilled in these regions?

As I see it, we have started promoting tourism but have not fulfilled its basic requirements. These regions lack many tourist amenities, most important of which are accommodation, recreation areas and theme parks for families and holiday-makers along with recreation activities and programs, which tourists can enjoy.

Furthermore, if we are to provide all these services, we should not charge exorbitant prices so as to overburden the people financially and put off their interest in domestic tourism.

With the Kingdom now interlinked through a network of highways, holiday goers can travel to many places of interest using their personal vehicles. At the same time, Saudia Airlines should increase their flights to different regions for those who choose to travel by air. We hope the airline encourages domestic tourism with flights to these regions at reduced air fares, the way tourism companies and offices encourage travel abroad.

Domestic tourism really needs support, good preparation and new opportunities for attracting people to it. I wish all the efforts in tourism, including those of the government and the private sector, are coordinated to achieve this goal.