RIYADH — The Ministry of Tourism and the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) have arranged an entertainment fiesta for the citizens and expatriates of Saudi Arabia to enjoy the Kingdom's amazing natural wonders, and richness of cultural landmarks and historic and heritage sites during the current summer season. The ministry and STA announced the "Summer of Saudi Arabia" season titled "Tanaffus" or "Breathing" that runs through June 25–Sept. 30 as a golden opportunity to discover diverse tourist destinations as well as historical, natural and cultural treasures across the Kingdom. The tourism authorities hope that the scorching sun's heat in some regions of the Kingdom would not prove an obstacle for families and individuals to spend enjoyable times during this summer. "Summer of Saudi Arabia" focuses on tapping the huge potential of major tourist destinations in the Kingdom with a focus on their picturesque nature and pleasant weather. This includes a total of 10 tourist destinations such as Riyadh, Eastern Province, Jeddah, Al-Baha, Asir, Taif, King Abdullah Economic City of Rabigh, Yanbu, Umluj and Tabuk. These destinations were chosen because of their charming nature, climatic diversity, and historical and heritage significance in terms of their fertile valleys, sandy areas, rock formations wonders, serene beaches, dense forests, cold climates, historical and heritage villages, and recreational activities. STA has offered more than 100 diverse packages for these tourist destinations through its website of "Spirit of Saudi Arabia" (https://www.visitsaudi.com/ar). The packages include wide variety of options for individuals, families and tourists, and that suit all tastes and requirements to enjoy various tourism activities such as trips, marine and land activities, mountain sports, as well as full day trips to explore the sea, coasts and islands in the Kingdom. The "Breathing" events are not restricted to exploration of nature and recreation only but also extends to several other aspects, the most prominent of which is the cultural one. The tour packages include exploratory trips to sites of ancient civilizations, historical cities and villages, and various museums in these tourist destinations stretching from the Kingdom's north to south and from west to east. The tourism authorities hope that citizens and expatriates would be keen on exploring the vast treasures of tourism featuring its diversity, historical, cultural and heritage significance, and picturesque natural scenes and thus making this season as a great beginning to utilize the huge potential of domestic tourism in a way that suits the aspirations of various segments of the society.
