JEDDAH – Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal has ordered identifying unexplored seafronts in Makkah region to give new recreation outlets for residents. Chairing the first meeting of the Tourism Development Council here on Tuesday evening, the Emir underlined the need for carrying out studies to activate the role of the region in hosting major conferences and exhibitions. The meeting was also attended by Prince Sultan Bin Salman, President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), Jeddah Governor Prince Mishal Bin Majed, mayors of Makkah, Jeddah and Taif, and other senior officials in the region. Prince Khaled issued directives to implement major tourism development projects in the region. He mentioned the keenness being given to develop the religious tourism sites of Jabal Al-Nour and Jabal Al-Thawr in Makkah for which a Royal decree was issued earlier. “Makkah region is unique in its tourism potential and diversity,” Prince Khaled said while underscoring the significance of creating more job opportunities for Saudis in Makkah's hospitality sector. Prince Khaled also ordered a major facelift of rest houses along highways and major roads in the Makkah region. “The standard of cleanliness and facilities at rest houses must be substantially improved,” he said. The meeting discussed ways to develop the National Project for Tourism Human Resources Development at SCTA to support Saudi youths and qualify them to take up jobs in the tourism sector as well as to take advantage of job opportunities in new tourism programs.
