JEDDAH: Jeddah hosted the International Tourist Guide Day event, organized by the Tour Guides Cooperative Society in historic Al-Balad, with 281 male and female guides taking part from across the Kingdom.
The program focused on introducing guides to the historic Hajj route and Jeddah’s heritage landmarks, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
International Tourist Guide Day, launched in 1990 by the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, highlights the role of tourist guides as ambassadors of their countries and cultures.
“Tour guides can influence how tourists perceive history, culture and one another. We act as cultural ambassadors and storytellers,” Abir Abusulayman, a veteran tour guide from Jeddah, told Arab News.
The event also aims to raise awareness of tour guiding’s importance in enriching the visitor experience, promote sustainable tourism, and recognize guides’ efforts in showcasing national identity and heritage.
