I read with interest the article “10-year-old boy to be issued tour guide license” (Dec. 5). Undoubtedly, young Saudis are very talented. There is a great need to provide them with adequate training and opportunities to showcase their talents. When it comes to tourism, Saudi Arabia has huge potential of becoming a global tourist attraction. People outside the Kingdom usually think that it is just a vast unfriendly desert, which is not entirely true. There are many historical sites across the country. Those sites should be developed and promoted intelligently to attract tourists from around the world. Farasan Islands should be developed along modern lines. Such measures will not only help Saudi Arabia reduce its dependence on oil revenues but many job opportunities will also be created as a result.
Young Saudis should be trained to serve as tour guides. I think an academy should be established for this purpose.
— Jamal Shahid, Jeddah
Boosting tourism
