Information Minister discusses with Socotra Deputy Governor ways to boost tourism in the province.

In a significant discussion today, Muammar Al-Eryani, the Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, met with Saleh Saad, the Deputy Governor of the Socotra Archipelago, to deliberate on several tourism-related issues within the province.

Minister Al-Eryani emphasized the importance of tourism promotion, stating that it should go hand in hand with the development of hotels and tourist facilities, along with enhancing the archipelago’s tourist attractions. He highlighted the unique tourism potential of the Socotra Archipelago, which sets it apart as a destination for tourists from around the globe.

The Minister stressed the necessity of investing in the tourism sector and encouraging businessmen to engage in this field to ensure the provision of a high-quality and appropriate tourist environment. He noted that despite Socotra’s rich tourism potential, the current tourist movement is still limited compared to its capabilities.

Al-Eryani pointed out the need to organize and execute tourism and cultural events, which contribute to preserving Socotran heritage and promoting its language as a civilizational and human legacy.

The discussions with Saad also covered the requirements for preparing a tourist map of the archipelago’s archaeological and tourist sites and incorporating it into Google Maps for better global tourism promotion. Al-Eryani affirmed the ministry’s commitment to making the archipelago the top tourism destination in Yemen and the region by expanding and intensifying tourism promotion efforts through various media channels.

Both Al-Eryani and Saad underscored the importance of initiating direct flights from the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Socotra Archipelago, to boost tourism and facilitate the arrival of more visitors eager to experience the island’s breathtaking nature and unique biodiversity.

The Minister praised the local authority’s efforts, particularly in the tourism sector, which he described as a pillar of the province’s developmental work. He called for coordinated efforts between the ministry, its affiliated institutions and bodies, and the local authority to train personnel in the tourism sector on relevant programs and requirements.

He also commended the developmental and humanitarian projects provided by the Saudi-led Arab coalition, which includes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, in various fields.

The Deputy Governor of Socotra expressed his gratitude to Minister Al-Eryani for his interest in the province, evidenced by his visit earlier this year and his efforts related to the ministry’s areas of responsibility concerning the island. He confirmed the local authority’s readiness to overcome any difficulties to attract more tourists and present Socotra to the world, highlighting the province’s security and stability.

The meeting was attended by Mohammed Bashraheel, President of the October 14 Foundation for Press, Printing, and Publishing; ministry deputies Jaafar Abubakr, Obeid Al-Haza, and Hussein Al-Sakab; Intisar Al-Hadali, Director of Tourism Promotion; Abdullah Al-Hamed, Advisor to the Minister of Tourism for Socotra Affairs; Brigadier General Ahmed Saad, Director-General of the National Security Apparatus in the province; and Mubarak Amer, Director-General of the Tourism Office.

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