Saudis to work as Tourist Guides

Wednesday, 13 February 2008
By Kholood Al-Rhamah

JEDDAH - A changing tourism industry will now allow unemployed Saudis to become tour guides as part of a new Tourism Guidance Program.

Ahmed Al-Eissa, General Manager of SCT Permits and Quality Department stressed the importance of organizing and developing tour guides in the Kingdom as a career.

"We are creating several job opportunities for Saudis in this field in order to develop and let tourism flourish in Saudi Arabia," said Al-Eissa.

Al-Eissa said being a tour-guide is a job authorized by a permit from the SCT. Their job is to accompany tourists to different sites around the Kingdom and be experts on the natural, cultural and heritage sites.

The permits are given for three categories of guides, said Al-Eissa. "The guides are divided into three categories. General guides who cover the entire Kingdom, local guides who specialize in a specific region or city and a site guide who deals exclusively with specific locations," he said.

Al-Eissa said the requirements to become a tourist guide are not complicated.

"The applicant must be Saudi, not less than 21 years old with no criminal record, medically fit, they must pass the tests and personal interview given by the SCT and they must be first aid certified," Al-Eissa said.

Currently the number of Saudis working in the field is still very low but travel agencies within the Kingdom have already started recruiting tour guides.

"Tourism Guidance is considered new for Saudis but the financial outcome is promising and because of the available workshops and courses there are several opportunities to advance," Al-Eissa said.

Sattam Ahmed Al-Bloui has been a tour guide for two years and is the manager of Al-Khafgi Festival.

"Requesting a permit was very easy after logging in to the SCT web. Working as a tour guide for a number of foreign delegations was fun and exciting.

It gets you to know the tour sites closely and learn about them which bring you closer to your country's heritage and culture," Al-Bloui said.

Al-Bloui has been a guide not only to foreign delegations but to Saudis as well.

"The best part of being a tour guide is that "I'm explaining our culture, our history, and civilization. I find, foreign tourists respect that and appreciate it," he said.