ammonnews.net

Ammon News - Alarabiya - Preparations are underway to mark the announcement of Taif as the Arab Tourism Capital.

Prince Mishal Bin Abdullah, Emir of Makkah region, instructed various government and private agencies to work as one team to make the activities and programs planned for the occasion a resounding success.

The Emir gave the directives while chairing a meeting of the senior officials, including Taif Governor Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz Bin Muammar, Arab Tourism Organization (ATO) Chairman Bandar Bin Fahd Al-Fuhaid and Taif Mayor Muhammad Al-Mukhrej, at his office here on Wednesday. ATO has chosen Taif as the Arab Tourism Capital.

During the meeting, Prince Mishal was briefed on a video presentation on the major components that helped Taif qualify for the Arab Tourism Capital award, and these included climate, tourist and archeological landmarks, infrastructure facilities and public utilities, hotels, and cultural activities, mainly Souk Okaz.

It was announced that a wide variety of 90 activities and programs will be organized as part of the celebration. These included Arab Tent, Gulf Nights, festivals, exhibitions, cultural programs, sports and games, as well as workshops and training courses for youths.

Prince Mishal underscored the significance of highlighting the glory of Taif as one of the leading tourist destinations in the Arab world.He said implementation of several multibillion riyal development projects would add qualitative impetus to the status of this famous summer resort.

Speaking on the occasion, Taif Governor Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz said selection of Taif as the Tourism Capital and “Bride of the Arab summer resorts” was the outcome of the constant support extended by the former Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, as well as the concerted efforts made by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, Taif Mayoralty and Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He said that more than SR16 billion was spent on development projects in Taif last year alone.

The city is also hosting about 10 tourist festivals every year, and these included Souk Okaz Festival, Taif Rose Festival, Honey Festival, and Fruits Festival.