Tourism village concept takes off in Asir

RIYADH: The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) has encouraged businessmen to invest in tourism villages in Asir region.
“Tourism villages are considered to be one of the most attractive options in the province,” said Mohammad Al-Amra, SCTNH branch director in Asir.
He made the statement in the wake of Bin Hussain Heritage Village’s success in Al-Suda in Asir. It is open to visitors for four months only during summer and draws an average of 500 visitors daily.
The village offers popular games and is famous for its heritage meals. Established some 20 years ago by Muhammad Abdul Latif Mohammed bin Hussein, it is run by his family, which includes his wife and eight children.
It is regularly visited by selected customers who know the importance of the village and who are fond of its popular food items. “I am from Jeddah,” said Bin Hussein. “I came here about 20 years ago and immediately fell in love with this place as it enchanted me and my wife so much.”
He said that they decided to establish “a tourism village, especially after we discovered that the region was in dire need of such a place village utilizing the area’s stunning natural landscapes and beautiful weather.”
“We completed all the official requirements to run such a tourism project, and now my whole family works in the village,” Bin Hussain said.
He undertakes administrative affairs while his wife takes care of the gastronomic side with the help of their four daughters. The eldest is in charge of the accounting and other details.
“My sons care for the village’s entire purchases, like food supplies and hiring. Moreover, they receive guests and serve them meals with the help of 30 employees,” he said.
His wife is the head of the tourism village and trains the staff on how best to serve clients. “Food served by the tourism village is very popular in the region due to the great attention we give to the cooking process,” he said.