ABHA: A contingent of 25 enthusiasts scaled the high peaks of the Asir mountains on Saturday, setting an example that hiking can actually be rewarding in terms of health and knowledge and driving home the message of cleanliness.

The five-hour fun-packed trek was anything but tiring for the adventurers, including doctors, engineers, businessmen and intellectuals from various regions of the Kingdom, as they were offered breaks and instructions on hiking.

The event, organized by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) and the Tourism Development Board, also included “Leave No Trace” program, in addition to briefings on the region’s heritage, environment and tourism. Similar programs have been organized for this week.

The trip, to boost tourism in the area and keep it clean, was being coordinated by the Arabian Hiking organization.

Saleh Al-Ansari, general supervisor of Arabian Hiking and assistant professor in family and community medicine, said the aim of the program was to highlight the benefits of hiking, which includes fitness and greater environmental and cultural awareness among young people.

He said Arabian Hiking is the first professional hiking organization falling under the supervision of the SCTNH and focuses on providing trips for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Al-Ansari said the event highlighted the attractions of this part of the Kingdom, in addition to promoting tourism all year. He said it was a unique event for the country.

Mohammed Al-Umrah, director general of the SCTNH in Asir, said that Asir was one of the most attractive locations for tourists in the Kingdom, with many visitors from all over the world.

He said the SCTNH wants to promote sports tourism in all its forms, including mountaineering, diving, bird watching, long walks, caving, kayaking, horse and camel riding, parachuting and paragliding.

“Hiking can add value to the other tourism products in the Asir region, including museums and monuments, and parks and leisure centers.” He hoped that it would become a global location for sports tourists.