JEDDAH, 27 July 2007 — The Jeddah Tourism Promotion Council (JPTC) over the next three years is to undertake several new projects aimed at improving the region’s tourism industry, including the development of tourist locations in south Jeddah.

In a meeting with Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal at his office in Jeddah on Wednesday, the JTPC will work with the Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT) and the Jeddah Municipality to develop the historical downtown area of the city, refurbishing it to make it an internationally recognized heritage site, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Secretary-General of the SCT Prince Sultan ibn Salman and Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal ibn Majed also attended the meeting.

Other tourism projects that the JPTC intends to embark on include the development of a stretch of Red Sea coast — including parts owned by private individuals, the north Corniche and heritage areas such as the Souk Al-Khamees at the Al-Qauz Center.

The council also plans to issue licenses to several museums in Jeddah and support cultural heritage activities in the area.

The council also stressed the need to improve the quality of services offered to tourists, which is an important factor in attracting tourism.

On Wednesday, Prince Khaled also met the Taif Tourism Promotion Council in a meeting at his office that was also again attended by Prince Sultan and Taif Gov. Fahd ibn Abdul Aziz Muammar. Discussions centered on the need to increase flights to Taif to make the city a major tourism center in the Gulf region.

The council also highlighted the need to train more locals in Taif in the tourism industry and develop tourist facilities in the city, such as shopping and lodging in a manner accessible to all strata of society.

A decision was also reached to revamp the location of the ancient souk in the city. The historic Souk Okaz, which has existed since before the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is of great interest to literary students across the Arab world.

The development of Al-Hada, Al-Shefa, various scenic locations and new botanical gardens, and a study of tunnel roads were also topics discussed at the meeting.

The prince also urged council officials to prepare in advance a schedule for all of next year’s festival programs to avoid delays and interruptions.