By Abdul Kareem Al-Theyabi

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

TAIF —

The first female tourist guide in Taif, Shahad Al-Sufyani, reassured Saudi women of their ability to handle the work.

Speaking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette, Al-Sufyani has said the Taif people welcome tourists with warm hearts and they are happy for Saudi women to work in this sector.

She said she did not face any obstacles in her work while adding that all those she dealt with accepted the presence of women in the sector.

She said it was a great experience for her to meet with tourists and guide them to historic locations in Taif.

She added, “As a tourist guide, I met with people from different cultures including great personalities. Taif is becoming an important tourists destination during the Haj and Umrah season, especially as the airport in the city is becoming an international one.”

She said some tourist offices in the city contact her when they have tourism delegations. Sometimes she receives personal requests to act as a tour guide.

Al-Sufyani says Taif has been a very important city since ancient times. It used to a summer destination for Makkah businessmen. King Abdul Aziz approved the city as the summer capital of the Kingdom in 1924 (1343 AH).