Salah Al-Bakheet, deputy director for investment at the SCTA, pointed out that the company’s project was presented to the government for approval along with other initiatives.
The company aims at developing many historic buildings owned by the government in various parts of the Kingdom and turning them into hospitality houses and hotels in a way that preserves them and provides job opportunities. The hotels, according to Al-Bakheet, will also provide a stage for other tourism activities.
The First International Urban Heritage for Islamic Countries also featured Historic Hotels of Europe Secretary-General Barbara Avdis, who presented European examples of historic hotels.
Avdis recommended that Islamic countries form a union to maintain historic Islamic urban and historic heritage and exploit them economically.
Historic Hotels of Europe is investing in over 700 palaces, cloisters and castles in Europe, some dating back to the 14th century.
“Historic hotels attract tourists interested in heritage and history,” said Avdis.
She said it was important to train locals to work in hotels to enhance their pride and positive feelings about the buildings and their local history.
“Working toward establishing Islamic historic hotels will not only introduce the Islamic culture but will also bring the international society and the international visitor close to the Islamic culture and heritage,” said Avdis.
