Saudi- Forum calls for security force to protect tourists

(MENAFN- Arab News) JEDDAH: The need for establishing a police force for the security of tourists across Saudi Arabia was voiced at a meeting recently.
Participants of the forum for the safety and security of tourist facilities also proposed collaboration between the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences and the Arab Tourism Organization as a mutual synergy would lead to the development of training programs for workers employed in the local tourism industry.
The combined effort could further enrich the Saudi heritage by raising and spreading awareness among tourists as well as Saudi youth.
The forum concluded with the consensus of establishing a legal framework that would protect and reinforce the heritage sites and tourist interests in the event of a conflict or natural disaster.
The participants were of the view that the proposal should ensure the inclusion of information regarding local tourist concepts as well as heritage sites in the various educational curriculums taught across the Kingdom with a view to promoting cultural awareness among the youth. The success of the forum prompted a strong recommendation that it be held annually.
The forum was organized by the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in association with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage the Arab Tourism Organization and the Taif Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Sessions were on global and Arab experiences in the safety and security of tourist facilities chaired by Mohammad Hamaid Al-Thaqafi and Abdullah Al-Shahri who also presented a paper on combining government and community efforts to maintain the safety of heritage villages modeled on a village located in the Rijal Alma region in Asir which is host to a unique experiment as its maintenance is now conducted in cooperation with the villagers and government authorities.
In addition Al-Shahri acknowledged the efforts of the village residents for the establishment of a museum as well as a development committee for the wellbeing of the village.
Ahmad Omos representative of the Moroccan Ministry of Culture presented a paper titled 'Rock Art in Morocco.' The paper covered the issue of maintaining deep-rooted cultural heritage sites as well as dealt with the seamless expectations for development.
The rock art and stones were painted or carved in great detail and symbolized the carver's beliefs that were influenced by their surroundings.
Omos described them as a symbol of Morocco's heritage and identity and emphasized the threat of their existence due to natural disasters.
Saif Nasir Al-Mamari an associate in the curricular and education department at Sultan Qaboos University presented a session titled 'Tourism in Oman reality and protection.' The session held particular importance to Saudi Arabia as its neighboring Oman is also situated in the Gulf region and shared many customs and beliefs identical to the Kingdom.
Al-Mamari described his divided approach to tourist security in three sections security of heritage locations facilities and tourists. He also mentioned that tourism is a key source of income for the Omani economy and that the Gulf region holds potential for further advancement in the industry which can be achieved if the community and tourism sectors work in alliance.