BURAIDAH: Some 40 government and nonprofit entities have participated in the first National Forum for the Rural Tourism Award at the King Khalid Cultural Center in Buraidah.
The forum reflected the growing interest in developing rural tourism in the Qassim region, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The two-day event brought together tourism and rural development specialists to discuss best practices and investment opportunities in sustainable tourism.
Participants presented initiatives to help support rural tourism programs, empower local communities, and develop rural destinations. They highlighted the region’s natural and cultural assets, as well as its attractions that help to support tourism.
The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority also showcased tourism projects in scenic areas of the reserve, emphasizing its natural and environmental assets.
The authority spotlighted the North Reserve for Sustainable Hunting, the Kingdom’s first specialized hunting reserve, providing game such as houbara bustards, gazelles, and Arabian oryx under regulated conditions.
Another feature of the reserve is Linah Camp which offers camping experiences under the stars as part of the Dark Sky program.
The forum included scientific sessions, workshops, and discussions on the development of rural tourism, investment in rural projects, and national experiences.
Topics covered included tourism sustainability, community empowerment, and the rural award’s role in promoting innovative initiatives and recognizing successful projects.
