Arab tourism ministers discussed a joint and concerted strategy to attract tourists to the Arab World. The Arab tourism ministers were attending a function to celebrate Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal's winning this year's Golden Helmsmen tourism award at Abdul Raoof Khalil Museum here on Tuesday night. The function is part of a series of events planned by several tourism sites in the Kingdom to celebrate the occasion. The museum was built in 1952 by Abdul Raoof Khalil, a researcher in the civilization history. The museum, housed in 12 old-styled buildings, boasts of the ancient Arab heritage and culture symbolized in different fields such as science, space, literature and maths. Welcoming the ministers, Prince Bandar Bin Fahd Al-Fuhaid, Chairman of the National Committee of the Council of Tourism Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said he was happy to meet all the Arab ministers in the Abdul Raoof Khalil Museum. The museum, he said, was a great sign of our history and tradition. Prince Khaled has a vision, he said, to change the tourism concept after he succeeded in many challenges in developing the tourism sector in Asir. “Tourism is a big industry. Specific plans and concerted efforts are needed to tap the potential. The General Commission for Tourism and Antiquities is coming up with an annual plan to develop tourism in the Kingdom,” added Prince Fuhaid. Tourism, he said, has now become an industry. Therefore, all efforts should be exerted to focus on its development as it greatly contributes to the Kingdom's economy, said Al-Fuhaid. There is also a need to develop the way of thinking in our society and change the tourism concept in their minds, he said, adding that intra-Arab cooperation in this regard was of vital importance. “Tourism in all Arab countries requires special marketing campaigns and promotions as well as investments,” he added. He also talked about the many incentives offered to the investors in the tourism sector. Eily Marooni, Lebanese Tourism Minister, lauded the support the Kingdom has extended to his country in all spheres. The Kingdom would be one of the top touristic countries during the coming few years, he said. “It is in need of more campaigns and promotions to attract tourists, he maintained. Hashim Abdullah, Tourism Minister of Comoros, said several tourist sites in Jeddah and Taif have largely been unexplored till now. “The Kingdom needs to do much more in the tourism sector,” he said. __
