Abha, Saudi Arabia — The Abha Chamber, in cooperation with the Tourism Media Association, organized a workshop titled “Tourism Volunteering” to explore its contribution to the tourism and hospitality sector in the Asir region.
Empowering Communities Through Volunteer Engagement
During the session, participants discussed national standards for volunteerism and examined how community-based efforts can improve the visitor experience. In particular, the workshop focused on the value of structured volunteer programs in enhancing service quality across the tourism sector. Furthermore, attendees exchanged ideas on how to build stronger community participation.
Digital Platforms Supporting Volunteer Work
Mohammed Saad Al-Qahtani, Vice President of the Abha Chamber, highlighted that 725,000 people volunteered across Saudi Arabia in 2023. According to him, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s Volunteer Work Platform has played a key role in this increase. Not only does the platform match volunteers with roles suited to their skills and availability, but it also tracks hours and issues official certificates—an added incentive for continued engagement.
Creating Lasting Impact in the Tourism Sector
Moreover, Al-Qahtani emphasized the importance of training and mentorship for young volunteers. He added that collaboration with local institutions can open new avenues for skills development and cultural exchange. As a result, volunteer participation in tourism events is expected to grow steadily.
In conclusion, the workshop underscored the role of volunteerism in shaping a people-centered tourism strategy. By promoting collaboration and community service, Asir’s tourism ecosystem is well-positioned to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
The Saudi Standard’s View: Volunteers Are Tourism’s Local Ambassadors
Tourism doesn’t grow through infrastructure alone—it thrives through people. Workshops like this show that Saudi Arabia understands the value of community-driven tourism. Volunteers are not just assistants; they are cultural ambassadors. By supporting initiatives like the Volunteer Work Platform and training programs in Abha, the Kingdom is building a tourism sector rooted in inclusion, pride, and local knowledge. Empowering volunteers today ensures meaningful visitor experiences tomorrow.
