Madinah inaugurates activities as capital of Islamic tourism

MADINAH: Prince Sultan bin Salman, chief of Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), sponsored on Saturday the opening ceremony for “Madinah Capital of Islamic tourism 2017.”
Prince Sultan stressed that the choice of Madinah for this title reflects the status of the city of Madinah for Muslims in regard to its religious and historical value as it is home to the Prophet’s Mosque, Quba Mosque and many historic monuments associated with the Prophet.
“It also contains important tourist attractions and heritage sites including historical museums and palaces and archaeological sites and historical mosques associated with events of the biography and followers,” Prince Sultan said.
He said in a recorded televised speech aired at the ceremony: “It is my great pleasure and honor to participate in the ceremony of ‘Madinah Capital of Islamic tourism’ as it has big significance in the hearts of all Muslims.”
He pointed out that Madinah is one of the main tracks of “Kingdom is Muslims’ Destination” initiative and that cost of the initiatives for this year reached SR2.67 billion.
Wahib Al-Sahli, deputy governor of Madinah and chairman of the Executive Committee, said that this occasion comes as a result of efforts exerted by loyal men who follow and supervise all different details and procedures.
Sahli said in a speech: “Today, Madinah wins for being the capital of the Islamic tourism under the wise leadership, and attention and care provided for the city by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.”
Ambassador Hameed Opeloyeru, OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Affairs, told Arab News that the program “is a beautiful occasion and Madinah deserves this award from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and we are proud of this celebration. The organizing and arrangement are more wonderful.”
Ambassador Maher Al-Karaki, Palestinian representative OIC, said the celebration of Madinah’s Islamic historical significance is due to the importance of the status of the city of Madinah in the hearts of Muslims.
“We congratulate the Saudi people and congratulate Prince Sultan bin Salman, head of Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage and Prince Faisal bin Salman, the governor of Madinah, on the occasion,” Al-Karaki told Arab News.