Dhamar’s first tourist festival: Multiplicity of shows and colors [Archives:2007/1073/Last Page]
August 2 2007
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For Yemen Times
As'ad Al-Kamil Tourist Festival, Dhamar's first tourist festival, witnessed a prominent official inauguration attendance represented by the Prime Minister accompanied by several of his peers. This festival is considered a typical move in Dhamar's tourism history and, as announced by the chairman of the festival preparation committee, will be held annually.
Secretary General of Dhamar Local Council, Alansi, pointed out that this festival is significant as it is a means of showcasing the cultural, archeological, and tourism heritage of the governorate. Some of the scenery from various Dhamar districts was shown to the public for the first time through this festival. Additionally, the festival was meant to ensure non-Yemenis that Yemen is a safe country and that Yemenis are peace-lovers. The recent crimes committed by terrorists against Spanish tourists have no relation with Yemeni values and traditions.
As'ad Al-Kamil Tourist Festival was divided into two exhibits. Each exhibit included different shows and each district was represented by different classes of people who performed traditional dances and ballads (Zamils). Festivities also included military music and youth carnivals. The second exhibit was the expo, which focused more on a variety of important aspects of tourism and history of all the districts. However, some districts particularly those representing the western part of the governorate, had poor participation according to their district natives. The exhibition consisted of many rooms that showcased various professions, activities and scenic photos. One attractive corner was specified for standing with Spanish victims in Marib against terrorism. Ms. Amel Al-Hamati, the main organizer of this showcase, declared, “We from this suite confirm to all Yemen guests that such terrorists and their criminal deeds never belong to our values and traditions. So I invite all those who want to visit Yemen that our hearts are open for them and we whole-heartedly fight and stand against terrorism.”
Wosab Al-Aly and Wosab Al-Savel districts had a lighter participation in the festival compared to the attendance and participation of the other governorate districts. The schedule of visits by the festival guests did not include these two districts. According to officials, the reason for their exclusion from the schedule was that they are so remote and far from the capital of the governorate. The locals of these districts were very worried about the future repercussions of their exclusion. Suddenly they felt very excited regarding this issue, especially when the Prime Minister declared in his speech, “A few minutes ago I received a call from His Excellency the President Ali Abdullah Saleh asking me what we have done concerning Dhamar Al-Hussainaya Road. I told him that we are going to start working on it soon.” Secretary General of the local council in Wosab Al-Aly, Mujahed Al-Musannif stated, “We undoubtedly did our best to present the best possible show, but let me tell you we are not completely content with our performance. It is not up to visitors' expectations for many reasons. The unpaved and non-asphalted road in addition to the funds we had were not enough to cope with rigors that stood before us. These are the main factors but we are pleased with the President's care that is reflected through his call to the Prime Minister regarding this issue.”
A famous personality from Wosab Al-Aly, Mr. Ghaleb Barakat, held the local council of the district responsible, accusing the council of bringing about these obstacles by neglecting the assistance of active personalities within the district who could have played a significant and amazing role in presenting better shows. Some people also credited the absence of a tourism office in the district with the lack of an organized system for such activities.
Although foreign attendance was scarce, there were a few tourists present from outside of Yemen. Ms. Korena, a visitor from Holland, stated that the purpose of her visit was to enjoy the activities of the festival. She indicated that her knowledge of King As'ad Al-Kamil was limited, but she knew that Al-Kamil was the first person to unify Yemen. She stated, “My concluding words for all foreigners who want to visit Yemen is that Yemen is very amazing and wonderful and Yemenis are good people, and what made me feel more safety is the corner in the showing hall that is specified for supporting the Spanish victims in Marib. This corner shows the anti-terrorist attitudes of Yemenis.”
Such tourist festivals play a very effective role in attracting tourists to Yemen by showing what an amazing country it is. But the lack of very basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water services undoubtedly affects tourism negatively and was one of the drawbacks of the As'ad Al-Kamil Tourist Festival. The festival would garner a more successful turnout and presentation with infrastructural improvements, such as paved roads and tourism offices in remote districts.
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