Saturday, August 19, 2006

Saudis promote "morality-based" tourism in kingdom

For reasons only the Saudis know, the Wahabis are beginning to promote Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination.

Historically (and theologically) important locales that curious non-Muslims would like to see include the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. One problem: Infidels aren't allowed in either town.

I'm sure there are some fabulous desert vistas in the kingdom, but there are many wonderful sites in Nevada, North Africa, as well as other places in the Middle East.

So what is Saudi Arabia's draw? Morality-based tourism. Yawn.

From the Arab News:

Prince Sultan ibn Salman, secretary-general of the Supreme Commission for Tourism, emphasized SCT’s determination to promote morality-based tourism in the Kingdom.

"For us, tourism is a social activity rather than an economic venture," he said and referred to a growing world trend in support of family-based tourism.

Hmmm...I worked in the hospitality business for more than a decade, and I'm unaware of morality-based tourism. And I'm clearly oblivious as to why anyone, based on what I posted above, would want to waste their time and money in traveling to visit those terrorist-coddling Saudis.

Besides, they're likely to end up being bored out of their minds. If it's true "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," it's equally true "What happens in Saudi, stays in Saudi."

Because no one will care to hear about it.

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