Saudi women will soon be able to work in the tourism sector. A new program organized by the Arab Tourism Organization in cooperation with the American University of Beirut, aims to develop human resources in the tourism and hotel sector in February. Several campaigns, training programs and training centers are being planned to reorient tourism experts and instill the tourism culture in every Saudi student. “Our aim is to have a special academy for lectures on tourism in each region in the Kingdom. Initially, it will start in Makkah, Riyadh and Jeddah,” said Prince Bandar Bin Fahd Al-Fuhaid, Chairman of the National Committee of the Council of Tourism, Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The details are being worked out with the General Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, he said and added that plans are underway to start the program in February 2009. Prince Al-Fuhaid said attempts will be made to increase the level of services in the hotel and tourism field all over the Kingdom. The new program will enable women to participate in the tourism sector in the Kingdom while conforming to Islamic rules and regulations, said Reem Al-Nabulsi, Head Assistant in the American University of Beirut, and Regional Director of the Developing Tourism and Human Resources Program. The program will try to allay certain misconceptions among Saudi families about the tourism sector. Each tourist city will have a center specialized in teaching tourism to both sexes, said Al-Nabulsi. – SG __
