Fourteen festivals and tourist activities will be held during the mid-semester vacation next week. The events have been organized by the regional tourism development councils with support from the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), governorates and other partners. The Deputy President of the SCTA for the Tourism Sector Abdullah Bin Salman Al-Jihani has advised families to take advantage of the academic vacation and travel around the Kingdom so as to enjoy the activities and the nation's different historical and cultural sites. Al-Jihani said: “These activities play an important social role in strengthening family bonds, creating jobs and promoting regional development. They also help family enterprises in marketing their products.” He called on tour operators to provide tourist programs for Saudi families and for accommodation facilities to help the SCTA in stimulating domestic tourism by upgrading services and cutting their prices. He said: “Every region in the Kingdom has its own special nature, features and culture that make a visit to the region rewarding and enjoyable. The citizens in every region of the Kingdom welcome their brethren and celebrate their presence among them.” Al-Jihani also said that the number of festivals and tourist activities is increasing every year. He said: “This is the result of the partnership between the SCTA and the Kingdom's regions. I congratulate the authorities participating in organizing and supporting these festivals.” To get the program of the festivals, members of the public can dial the SCTA toll-free number 8007550000 or visit its website http://event.sct.gov.sa or the tourism website www.sauditourism.com.sa.
