RIYADH: The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has commended the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program (Saudi Reef) for its contributions to sustainable development and rural tourism in Saudi Arabia.
In an official letter to Saudi Reef Secretary-General Ghassan Bakri, UNWTO’s Regional Director for the Middle East, Basmah Al-Mayman, praised the program for its efforts in linking sustainable agriculture with rural tourism, and for celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom’s rural communities.
Al-Mayman highlighted the “Reef Bazaar” as a model event that showcased the cultural and artisanal vibrancy of rural areas, noting its role in promoting sustainable tourism and improving quality of life in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
She also commended the “Our Winter is Rural” campaign, organized in five regions, for its role in supporting domestic tourism and reflecting the Kingdom’s deep-rooted rural identity.
UNWTO expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation with Saudi Reef through joint initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable community development and enhancing rural tourism opportunities across the Kingdom.
[Reported by Daily Riyadh]
