RIYADH: A number of Saudi governors and mayors travel to Greece later this week to learn how that country protects and promotes its tourism sites. The six-day visit organized by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) is also aimed at discovering how local municipalities work with tourism bodies to develop cultural, environmental and agricultural tourism. The Saudi delegation is expected to be briefed on various international models outlining the best use of heritage sites. The aim is to ensure the tourism industry can contribute more to the country's income. The SCTA wants viable partnerships between the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, governorates, local councils and tourism authorities. The visit is the sixth in a series of visits organized by the commission aimed at benefitting from other countries' experiences in the field of tourism development. Tourism delegations have already visited Italy twice, France, Egypt and Tunisia. The delegation consists of officials from the governorates of Al-Majma, Shaqra, Taima, Al-Qurrya and Farsan; and the municipalities of Al-Daryia, Hafr Al-Baten, Wadi Al-Dawsir, Al-Dawadmi, Dhba, Al-Wajh and Al-Qurryat. The group also includes the mayors of Qassim and Al-Jouf, undersecretaries of the emirates of Madina and Najran and the Director of the Antiquities Bureau in Jizan.
