RIYADH: The Jeddah Historic District Program will showcase its UNESCO credentials at the ITB Berlin international travel show taking place March 5-7, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Historic Jeddah, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, comprises more than 600 historic buildings showcasing unique architectural styles that illustrate the ingenuity of its inhabitants in adapting to their surroundings.
The district is also known for its vibrant markets, adding to its appeal.
The Ministry of Culture oversees the JHDP, which is dedicated to revitalizing Jeddah’s historical center, Al-Balad, with the goal of transforming it into a cultural and arts hub and a distinguished destination for heritage tourism.
At the ITB Berlin, one of the largest tourism events globally, the program will highlight 34 heritage hotels within the district. These hotels, such as Beit Jokhdar, Beit Al-Rayess, and Beit Kedwan, have been carefully renovated to conserve their architectural integrity, while offering visitors a chance to experience traditional and contemporary styles.
Each year the ITB Berlin gathers roughly 10,000 exhibitors from over 180 countries, including municipality officials, tour operators, booking system developers, airlines, hotels and other businesses.
JHDP’s participation at the event is part of its effort to enhance its international visibility at key tourism and travel events, aiming to showcase the historical and cultural richness of the area and promote Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage on a global scale, SPA added.