RIYADH: The four-day Riyadh Travel Fair, which ended Monday, was the focus of business networking opportunities, seminars, ministerial discussions and recognition of 12 months of the tourism industry’s achievements.
The fair was inaugurated by Majid A. Al-Hokair, chairman of the Committee for Tourism and Entertainment (Riyadh Chamber), and chairman of the board of directors for the Riyadh International Conference and Exhibition Center.
At the event, Bahrain launched its new tourism identity under the slogan “Ours. Yours” to further develop the tourism sector as a prime contributor to the national economy.
Taiwan’s government mapped out its medium- and long-term tourism and travel development programs.
Yunus Faith Kadirolu, deputy secretary general of the Turkish city of Bursa, said at the event: “Bursa is an important destination with its historical, touristic and religious places, as well as its varied shopping facilities both for domestic and foreign tourists ... Tourists from Saudi Arabia are rapidly growing each year.”
With its thermal springs, Bursa is the only Turkish city that is a member of the European Historic Thermal Towns Association.
Ajantha Rathnayaka, assistant director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Board, said: “Sri Lanka offers travelers a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences within its compact location.”
The Orange County Visitors Association promoted exclusive packages including car fairs, a self-driving experience, VIP shopping and discounts on premier shopping destinations and luxury accommodation.
Reynaldo L. Ching, assistant secretary at the Philippines Department of Tourism, said: “The Riyadh Travel Fair is an excellent platform for Philippine tourism leaders to meet with Saudi travel industry professionals and the general public to highlight the attractions, special events and value-added campaigns designed exclusively for Middle Eastern visitors.”
Ching added: “With a year-long special calendar of events planned in 2017, there is no better time to visit the Philippines.”
Countries vie for tourism opportunities at Riyadh Travel Fair
Countries vie for tourism opportunities at Riyadh Travel Fair
Saudi Arabia launches Makkah Route Initiative at Ankara Esenboga Airport
- A lounge was set up at the airport in Ankara, making it the second Turkish airport to facilitate Makkah Route Initiative pilgrims
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia launched the Makkah Route Initiative at Ankara Esenboga Airport on Monday with the Kingdom’s ambassador to Turkiye in attendance.
A lounge was set up at the airport in Ankara, making it the second Turkish airport to facilitate Makkah Route Initiative pilgrims, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The initiative aims to provide high-quality services to Hajj pilgrims from beneficiary countries.As part of the initiative, biometric data is collected in the pilgrim’s home country and the necessary procedures are carried out there. An electronic Hajj visa is also issued in the pilgrim’s country.
The Kingdom’s General Directorate of Passports will ensure that health requirements are met before pilgrims enter the country, and baggage will be coded and sorted according to transportation and accommodation arrangements.
Pilgrims will be transported to their residences in Makkah and Madinah by bus and partner agencies will transport their luggage separately.
Rainy Abha alive with color as jacaranda trees bloom
- Scores of picnickers and tourists have been drawn to areas like Art Street where the blossoms provide a picturesque backdrop
- Asir is home to more than 15,000 jacaranda trees, some of which can grow to a height of 18 meters (60 feet)
RIYADH: After the recent rains in Asir, the city of Abha is awash with color as the jacaranda trees that line its streets spring into life.
Scores of picnickers and tourists have been drawn to areas like Art Street where the blossoms provide a picturesque backdrop to the hustle and bustle of the city, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Asir region is home to more than 15,000 jacaranda trees, some of which can grow to a height of 18 meters (60 feet).
The jacaranda genus, which comprises about 45 species of trees and shrubs, is known for its ability to thrive in temperate regions. Within the Kingdom, the trees are mostly cultivated in moderate regions to the south.
Saudi FM meets with Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law delegation
- Strengthening of international unification with regard to supporting efforts made to ensure human security and safety in all parts of the world was discussed
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received the chairman of the Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law Dr. Jalal Al-Owaisi in Riyadh on Monday.
During the reception, Prince Faisal, Al-Owaisi, and his accompanying delegation discussed aspects of cooperation in the fields of international humanitarian law.
The strengthening of international unification with regard to supporting efforts made to ensure human security and safety in all parts of the world was also discussed during the meeting.
Later, a memorandum of understanding to enhance joint cooperation in the field of international humanitarian law was signed by the Foreign Ministry and the committee.
The MoU aims to support the integration of joint efforts and facilitate the exchange of experiences and transfer of knowledge in the field of international humanitarian law.
Madinah governor inspects pilgrim services ahead of Hajj
RIYADH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan on Monday visited the Welcome and Reception Center for Pilgrims on the Hijrah route to inspect the services offered to pilgrims and the preparations made to receive those who are coming to perform the Hajj rituals this year.
He also reviewed the center’s workflow, ensuring it guarantees the comfort of pilgrims and the expeditious completion of procedures related to the services provided to them, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Salman, who is also chairman of the Hajj and Visit Committee in the region, inspected the workflow mechanism and services provided to pilgrims arriving from King Abdulaziz International Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port, as well as those visiting Madinah after completing the rituals.
He also examined the center’s operational indicators, which automatically monitor arrivals and groupings, along with the plan to enhance the service system through screens monitoring bus arrivals and the completion of procedures within a period not exceeding 120 seconds, by guiding pilgrims and ensuring their residences are ready to receive them.
During the tour, Prince Salman received an explanation of the center’s components, including a support center for transportation services, health clinics and ambulance transportation services, as well as the security and safety system and integrated operational services in welcome lounges, bus routes, the charity warehouse headquarters, transportation companies, and other administrative buildings within the center’s scope.
Al-Yanfa village restoration unlocks Asir’s architectural treasures
RIYADH: Municipal authorities in the Asir region have announced the completion of renovation and development works in the historic Al-Yanfa heritage village in the Tamniah district.
The initiative aims to elevate the village into a premier destination, attracting visitors and tourists from across the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Al-Yanfa, situated in the scenic Al-Shaaf district of Asir, reflects the region’s cultural heritage. Just 45 km from Abha, the village features historical landmarks such as ancient buildings, mosques and fortified structures amid Asir’s picturesque landscapes. It is also known for its moderate climate and lush green surroundings.
Bandar Al-Nafiei, deputy secretary for projects at the Asir Municipality, highlighted the restoration efforts. He said that the project began with rehabilitating pathways and courtyards, with stone paving throughout the village.
To enhance the village’s charm, illumination fixtures were placed along pathways and courtyards, Al-Nafiei said.
Extensive landscaping was also undertaken, covering every part of the village, from entrances to pathways and courtyards. Additionally, a rainwater drainage project was implemented, incorporating natural wood elements, the SPA reported.
Al-Nafiei said that the village project, spanning more than 60,000 sq m, was implemented using advanced engineering methods. This approach aimed to provide visitors with easy access to explore the village and its historical heritage.
