Destination North Initiative: Exploring the Treasures of Saudi Tourism and Nature
In a move reflecting growing public awareness of the importance of the tourism sector, a group of travel and exploration enthusiasts launched a national community initiative called “Destination North.” This journey aims to highlight the unique tourism potential of Saudi Arabia and showcase the geographical and cultural diversity of its northern regions, from the capital, Riyadh, to Tabuk.
A national context that supports Vision 2030
This initiative aligns with the Kingdom's strategic directions within Vision 2030, which prioritizes the tourism sector as a cornerstone of national economic diversification. Such individual and community initiatives are a vital complement to the official efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and the Saudi Tourism Authority, contributing to the discovery of new routes and the marketing of domestic destinations through innovative methods that rely on firsthand experience and compelling visual documentation, thus enhancing the Kingdom's position as a global tourist destination.
Journey route: The fragrance of history and the magic of nature
The “Destination North” caravans set off from the heart of Riyadh, passing through the Hail region, renowned for its majestic mountains and the hospitality of its people, before reaching Al-Ula, an open-air museum that tells the stories of ancient civilizations, and finally arriving in the Tabuk region. This route showcases a stunning gradual progression of terrain, with participants moving from sand dunes to unique rock formations and verdant plains, reflecting a complete natural panorama that highlights the richness of Saudi Arabia's geography.
Establishing the concept of responsible tourism
The trip's objectives extend beyond mere exploration; its core aim is to instill the concept of "responsible tourism." The initiative focuses on promoting practices that ensure the preservation of the natural environment and protect heritage sites from damage. This is achieved by raising awareness of the importance of leaving places as they were and respecting natural resources to guarantee their sustainability for future generations—a fundamental pillar of modern ecotourism.
Al-Ula: A Global Tourism Icon
In a statement, the expedition's general supervisor, Khalid Abdulrahman, explained that Al-Ula Governorate was one of the most important stops on the route, given its unique natural features and rock formations sculpted by erosion over thousands of years. He noted that the initiative was keen to document the significant development in infrastructure and tourism services taking place in Al-Ula and various regions of the Kingdom, through field trips and visual coverage aimed at showcasing its beauty to the world.
Saudi hospitality and identity
Abdulrahman emphasized the pivotal role of Saudi citizens in the success of tourism, affirming that participants in the initiative consider themselves ambassadors for their country. The trip aims to highlight the values of generosity and hospitality inherent in Saudi society, which form an integral part of the tourist experience, leaving a lasting positive impression on visitors and tourists.
Comprehensive future plans
It is worth noting that the “Destination North” route is just the beginning, as this journey is part of a series of planned expeditions to cover all parts of the Kingdom, including the southern, eastern, central, and western regions. This integrated series aims to provide a comprehensive survey of tourist sites and highlight the cultural and climatic diversity that makes the Kingdom a microcosm rich with varied experiences.
