Posted in:
Reports
Written By: Raghda Gamal
Article Date: Jan 10, 2009 - 12:23:03 AM
Doa’a al-Yemeni
Doa’a al-Yemeni is the first female tour-guide in Yemen, and she is known as a very active advocate of Yemeni tourism. She speaks several languages, and believes in the important message she delivers through her representation of Yemeni women to tourists.
Yemen Observer (YO): -As a tour-guide, what effects have you seen following the kidnappings in Yemen?
Doa’a al-Yemeni (DY): -There are several negative effects from these crimes - they damage Yemen’s reputation, and affect the economy by depriving it of the much needed hard currency which tourists bring. On behalf of tour-guides and drivers, I would like to say that we are those who suffer from these irresponsible actions.
YO: -Have you heard the reaction of tourists concerning the recent kidnapping of a German citizen in Bani Dhabian?
DY: - Actually, tourists understand very well that those who perform such actions are sick people seeking specific things from the government - they don’t represent Yemeni citizens as a whole. In the al-Thawrah newspaper’s tourism supplement, we read the opinion of a French tourist on his third visited to Yemen, who stated concerning the kidnapping of a German citizen that he wasn’t afraid when he heard the news because he knows that most Yemeni citizens are too nice to commit such crimes.
YO: - Tell our readers about the tourism infrastructure in Yemen? DY: - Unfortunately, a number of potentially popular Yemeni tourist attractions aren’t visited because of the lack of basic infrastructure, for instance easily available groceries. There is an area called Mahl Ramada on the road to Shebam and Kawkaban, which includes the King Asad al-Kamel castle containing six basements and 365 ponds- one for every day in the year. A place rich in history such as this should belongs on a tourism program, and requires repair and security because daily it is exposed to plundering. Citizens in these areas have told me that tourists used to visit their attractions, but their numbers have decreased in recent years. Furthermore, if Yemeni citizens don’t know the history of their country, how can they expect tourists to know about it? Therefore, I implore the president to order all ministers to develop a tourism program for their employees to allow them to better understand their country.
YO: -What about Yemeni lifestyle are tourists familiar with?
DY: -Of course- I have a program called Life in the Old City, Sana’a, in which tourists are welcomed to try all manner of traditional Yemeni habits. Tourists can walk around the Old City receiving an explanation about culture, history and heritage through visits to a traditional Sana’ani steam bath, shopping, and enjoying local music with Yemeni’s during lunch in a traditional Sana’ani diwan. We also offer programs for traditional Sana’ani ladies make-up and clothing. Furthermore, Mrs. Amat al-Razaq Jahaf and I decided to undertake these activists in her house and to combine our efforts as we have the same goal, and so we will start as soon as we can with a special program for the Sana’ani House.
YO: - Does the government sponsor tourism?
DY: - A little sponsorship which we can’t mention... There has been a political decision taken to help develop tourism, though the field hasn’t improved enough because people working in tourism face a lot of problems. These come especially from citizens, who are unaware of foreign cultures, and they deal with tourists in an aggressive manner. This is especially true of the northern tribes, who aren’t aware of the importance of tourism to the country’ economy, and they only follow the orders of their Shaikhs. I wish people would try to talk with tourists and be able to distinguish between the public and their government. On behalf of tour-guides and drivers, I want to confirm that we don’t receive specific salaries from the Ministry of Tourism, and I would love to see them fix our situation- it isn’t fair that we dedicates our lives to this country and receive nothing in return.
Tourists experience the Yemeni lifestyle on a tailor-made tour
YO: -If the Ministry of Tourism doesn’t provide your salaries, where does the ministry’s budget go?
DY: -To ministry employees, who number around two hundred. Even graduates from the International Institute for Hospitality and Tourism can’t find work, and I feel very sad for their situation.
YO: -In addition to financial troubles, what obstacles do you face as a female tour-guide?
DY: -There is a general underestimation of female tour guides. In general, it’s a hard job for a woman living under the shadow of tradition; I can’t stay out of my home late, and I can’t travel alone and so on - especially because I’m a Sana’ani women. Perhaps if I was from Taiz or Aden it would be much easier, but regardless, I struggle on.
