BURAIDAH: Qassim has a struggling tourism industry with no spring break events in Buraidah, apart from the Qout Festival, which markets last year's remaining yield of dates, and Onaiza where residents have the Al-Musawkaf folk festival. Many Qassim residents traveled outside this spring break because there are few entertainment and tourist activities in the region. On developing tourism in the region, Dr. Jaser Al-Harbash, executive director at Qassim Tourism Board, said Qassim has a strategy linked to the region's natural attractions and environment as a fertile land for agriculture. He said the annual date festival has raised the profile of the region. There are activities taking place including heritage events, winter desert trips, spring trips and desert camping. In addition to “these areas of strength, the region is a pioneer in terms of (traditional) crafts, and is the only designated site for craftsmen in Buraidah, which also hosts a craftswomen's society”, he said. Al-Harbash said there is a need to ensure effective regulations related to licensing, permitting tourist projects and enforcing proper rent contracts. “The mayoralty has taken good steps in terms of improving the mechanisms of tourist investment.” The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs is also working on amending regulations for improving tourist investment and tourism in general, he said.
