Saudi Gazette report

ABHA – Located in the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia, Asir region has achieved a high level of growth and succeeded in implementing the development plans, under the directives of the Kingdom's leadership that aim at making Asir region live up to the expectations of the Saudi people.

Asir region is blessed with attractive nature and weather, making the region a major destination for national and international visitors throughout the year. In light of its nature and tourist attractions, Asir region started developing the concept of tourism industry four centuries ago.

A Saudi Press Agency (SPA) report has highlighted the tourism development process in Asir region as well as the various tourist sites, which are characterized by a wonderful nature and weather.

When visitors arrive in Asir region during summer season, they do not miss spending time at famous parks such as Al-Saudah, Al-Fara'a, Dalgan, Al-Habla, Al-Jara, Al-Sahab, Tamniah, Abu Khayal, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Park, Hadabat Al-Arous, Al-Namas Parks, Tanomah, Ahad Rafidah, Al-Wadeen, Khamis Mushait, and Bllahmer, Ballasmer and Rijal Almaa forests, and other natural sites scattered along the region. As a fact, Asir region is known for its unique heritage, valleys and forests. The region has long-standing ruins spanning thousands of years, such as Jorash, Tabalah, Al-Abla, Darb Al-Feel and other famous archeological sites.

Compared with other regions of the Kingdom, Asir region is distinguished with its rainy spring weather during summer season. The temperature in August does not exceed 25°C. The region has natural high mountains, and enjoys great services provided by the Saudi government. The region has advanced infrastructure and large tourist facilities. The visitors have a wide range of places to visit in the region with affordable prices.

The modern technologies have contributed to the discovery of tourist treasures in Asir region. One of these technologies is the cable cars that take tourists in an exciting tour to see the historical and tourist areas in the region.

Under direct follow-up by Prince Turki Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz, Emir of Asir region and Chairman of Tourism Development Council, the government and private agencies prepare plans every year to overcome the difficulties facing tourists. This year, the government and private agencies concluded preparations for holding the activities of the tourist season. The region's Tourism Development Council approved activities program for this year under the theme "Most Welcome to Asir Region".

"Good Hospitality" initiative was launched as per the directives of Emir Prince Turki. This initiative was co-implemented by more than 40 government and private agencies.

In a statement to SPA, Director General of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) branch in Asir Region, Muhammad Al-Omrah, said that the region contains more than 4,275 heritage villages. These villages are distributed as follows: 542 in Abha, 220 in Bareq, 397 in Al-Majardah, 715 in Mahayil and Albark, 406 in Rijal Alma, 237 in Sarat Abidah, 182 in Balqarn, 216 in Al-Namas, 262 in Tathlith, 127 in Dhahran Al-Janub, 127 in Al-Harajah, 246 in Bisha, 66 in Tareb and 73 in Tanouma.

He also said that efforts are being made to register Rijal Almaa heritage village in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In addition, renovating Tharban Palace in Al-Namas has been completed and it is expected to be operated soon. Restoration works were also carried out for Abu Malha heritage palace in the city center of Abha and will be added to the exhibitions under Asir Regional Museum soon. Al-Alaya Mosque has also also renovated. Documentation and restoration studies have been carried out for Musharafa Palace in Al-Namas. The project is currently brought forward for implementation by SCTH.