“Tourist vacancies” [Archives:2007/1107/Community]

By: Maged Thabet Al-Kholidy
[email protected]
Tourism plays a significant role in the development process in many countries. Its significance lies in its great income. It also reflects the country itself, not only to those interested in tourism, but also to the entire world. Yemen is one such tourist country; however, compared to others, it does nothing in this sector.

For instance, Tunisia considers tourism a main source of income; thus, it spends a lot to develop it. In return, its economy depends on the sector, something not taken into account in the so-called “Happy Yemen.”

Most of us are used to hearing about the periodic bombings and kidnappings in our nation, targeting tourists for either religious or political reasons. Of course, this negatively affects tourism in Yemen and subsequently affects the economy, which always seems to be shaken.

I believe such a problem can be solved by better security strategies. I don't believe it would cost a lot if the Ministry of Tourism adopted those strategies used to protect important figures, “big names” such as ministers, members of Parliament and consultative council members.

Of course, such individuals may have enemies, so the government must protect them; however, we rarely hear about assassinations or attacks upon such big names. We must be happy about this and we should pray constantly that God will save them. But who's responsible for protecting tourists or, at the very least, who will pray for them?

I suggest that the Ministry of Tourism solve this crucial problem by convincing the higher authorities to designate tourists in Yemen as ministers, deputy ministers or members of Parliament and consultative councils! (I think the consultative council would be easiest for such authorities.) Doing this would ensure good security, which would contribute to developing tourism and Yemen as a whole. Indeed, I hope for too much.

Surely, this would cost too much in salaries for such “tourist vacancies” because the current employees won't leave their positions. In this case, the nation would spend more than what it would earn from such tourists.

If we look at my suggestion from another angle, funding such “tourist vacancies” would be better if current local employers had no authorities in their positions. Can you guess why? There's no need to think about it because the answer is easy. It's because there no longer would be corruption, so the Committee to Fight Corruption could adopt this plan.

My proposed solution may create a shortage of security guards to protect local citizens in high-ranking positions, as well as those tourists appointed to such positions. I don't think this is the Tourism Ministry's problem, but rather that of the Interior Ministry (which I always avoid in my writings).

President Ali Abdullah Saleh recently reopened recruitment of high school graduates, but it's not known if such a decision is for this strategy or for some other reason.

I remember something very important. Some years ago, there was talk of establishing something called the Tourism Police, which really was a nice and practical idea. Surely, the ministry must have rewarded whoever suggested it.

This idea actually came to fruition several years ago, but since then, we've only heard about kidnappings and attacks on tourists from time to time, the most recent example being this summer's bombing in Marib.

Due to such kidnappings and attacks, tourists no longer come to Yemen in large numbers as they did before. If the Ministry of Tourism follows my suggestion, it may achieve something, but the question is how can it attract tourists from different parts of the world to visit Yemen?

My suggestion could be completed by marketing it via the internet, satellite channels, newspapers, etc., on which there should be announcements entitled, “Tourist Vacancies” so tourists will run to apply! This would encourage them to take high positions and at the same time, they would be assured that there would be better security strategies for them. Then, I'm sure they'd do their best to visit Yemen, not only for the posts or salaries, but also for the tourism itself, which would be marked by highly strategic security policies.

However, such an offer may make them seek higher positions. I think the luckiest tourist would be the one to fill the tourist vacancy as interior minister because he would control the entire security forces, through which his own security would be guaranteed.

I really am too hopeful that this suggestion might succeed. However, I'm afraid that such tourists might like living here and decide to stay longer. What would be the solution for that?

At the very least, the Tourism Ministry could find a solution to this problem, as there must be contracts to hold such positions for a limited time. Such tourists may stay longer, but they would leave their position when their contract is up.

Pardon me, dear readers, if my suggestion sounds unrealistic, but I have my reasons. To be unrealistic and dreaming of an imaginary world is far better than leading a life of bitterness and contradicting realities.

The tourism situation really does force us to be unrealistic. For this reason, I ask you to close your mind's eye and imagine the status of tourism in Yemen without its current bitter realities so that you'll forget your sorrow and sadness regarding this sector.
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