ABHA: “In your name and in the name of all citizens of Asir, we welcome our great guest Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah Region, who spent the prime of his youth in Asir” said Prince Faisal Bin Khaled Bin Abdul Aziz, Emir of Asir. He made the comment while addressing a press conference at Abha Palace on Tuesday announcing the activities of the 2011 Abha Summer Festival, “Abha brings us together”. He said Prince Khaled would stay for two days, to take part in the inaugural ceremony of the Abha Summer Festival on Wednesday. the Emir also extended his thanks to Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), for helping the region attract tourists. He said the region, which is the Kingdom's tourism hub, is expected to receive tens of thousands of holidaymakers and visitors. He stressed that all necessary arrangements and preparations have been made to receive and serve them, from the time of their arrival to their departure. About the possibility of increasing the number of flights to the region, he said he has already contacted the Saudia Director General who has promised to do so with wide-bodied planes to handle more tourists. He said he will never allow the drivers of water tanks to exploit tourists by tampering with the prices. He stressed that the authorities concerned have clear instructions to deal firmly with such transgressions. He said the summer program gives due attention to Saudi women, children and families. He promised that there will be special activities for women next year. He also pleaded with businessmen in the region to sacrifice for the sake of their region and not look for quick profits. He said businessmen in other regions contribute generously to the progress of their regions without expecting quick financial returns and profits. He said there are lots of leading businessmen in the region. He said he is open to constructive criticism and welcomes everyone, provided they have no personal ulterior motives.
