JEDDAH, 16 July 2007 — A new comprehensive plan for developing and replenishing Jeddah’s historic downtown would be finalized for operation within three months, according to Prince Sultan bin Salman, secretary-general of the Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT).
“It is not suitable for Jeddah’s historic area nor any other areas to be in this undeveloped situation,” the prince said, adding that there are many new projects coming ahead that would uplift the city’s tourism sector.
The prince was speaking to the press yesterday at the Al-Baiah roundabout during the inauguration of the national campaign for cleaning the historical area.
“I came today as a volunteer, just like the rest,” Prince Sultan said, adding that every citizen and resident should volunteer in making the city a better place.
He said the government is giving top priority to make Jeddah a conventional tourism location. Many infrastructure and tourism-related projects are on the anvil for Jeddah as part of the government’s plan to develop the Bride of the Red Sea.
The prince promised that in two to three years there would be huge development changes that would be visible to both resident and visitors of the city.
About domestic tourism, Prince Sultan said the SCT has introduced this year new regulations and facilities to promote local tourism. “We are too late in organizing domestic tourism, but we are working as fast as we can to eliminate obstacles such as increase in prices and lack of tourist attractions,” he said.
He said the SCT is looking into developing yearlong domestic tourism and introducing new facilities such as medical tourism aimed at international tourists.
Jeddah Mayor Adel Fakieh said the municipality is jointly working with the SCT to establish a comprehensive study to develop the city. “This cleaning campaign is just one step toward creating awareness among the people,” he said.
The one-month event has attracted more than 7,000 volunteers who would be working in shifts along the period of the campaign. Around 160 students from various schools in and around Jeddah took part in the campaign on the first day.
