Saudi's capital to position itself as a tourist hub
By Aftab H. Kola l eTN Middle East
All these years the bustling capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, has been a dull place as far as tourism is concerned. Realizing this, the Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT) announced it is seeking to promote the Saudi capital as a tourist destination, rather than just a commercial place for work.
"Riyadh is the kingdom's largest city with a population of 4.5 million and is visited by thousands," said Abdullah Al-Asheikh, the SCT's executive manager for development of tourism in Riyadh.
"We are looking to promote more events in Riyadh so the perception about the capital changes from being just a place for seeking work to a valuable tourist destination and recreational area," he added.
Speaking on the launch of the first cross rally and drag race championship in Al-Thumama district, Al-Asheikh said that the SCT has been promoting tourism in Riyadh through the establishment of the Council for Developing Tourism.
He added that SCT's role was to promote tourism in Riyadh commercially and culturally.
Al-Asheikh also said that the SCT was promoting the capital city as a family recreational destination and that many of the events this year specified special seating areas for women and children.
October 31, 2006
Posted in: Saudi Arabia