Measures to upgrade tourism [Archives:2006/988/Local News]

SANA'A, Oct. 7 ) Upgrades to tourist services are on way after a meeting involving the Supreme Council of Tourism and the Tourism Promotion Council where the officials discussed changes to tourism and the effects of kidnapping on Yemeni tourism. They denounced kidnappings, considering them terrorist activities and also highway robbery which threaten the society's stability and peace and damage the country's reputation.

The meeting also stressed the importance of strengthening the role of municipal authorities within the governorates to establish tourism councils to develop the tourist activities and improve the environment. Additionally, the meeting addressed the issue relating to establishing special tourism units within police stations in districts in order to enhance tourist security.

Other measures aiming to develop tourism sector involve decreasing entry fees to US $25 from the current US $50, along with facilitating measures for tourists in airports and providing reception areas and enhancing the services supplied in all ports. New plans demanded the Ministry of Oil to have general facilities at all new petrol stations along highways and making this a requirement for new stations to receive operating licenses. Further, the meeting asked for more space in media for promotional activities and encouraging the establishment of car-renting companies, giving them the same privileges granted to investment projects.

Finally, the meeting also asked preachers, via Friday's sermon and other activities, to guide people on how to deal with tourists. It also asked for expansion, regarding the tourist vocational institutes as well as having more tourism-related specializations in Yemeni universities to provide the market with competent and well qualified cadre.
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