MUKALLA – In line with ongoing preparations for the launch of the Al-Balada Tourism Season, and following directives from the leadership of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the local authority in Hadhramaut Governorate to elevate hospitality services, the Ministry of Tourism Office on the Hadhramaut Coast carried out a comprehensive inspection and evaluation tour of hotels and tourism and accommodation facilities in Mukalla City.
The tour aimed to assess the readiness of facilities to receive delegations and visitors expected to arrive in large numbers from across Yemen and abroad to celebrate this annual tourism season.
The inspection committee included:
- Mr. Hussein Al-Sakkab, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism for Services and Activities
- Mr. Hassan Al-Jilani, Deputy Governor of Hadhramaut for Coastal and Plateau Affairs
- Advisor Salem Mohsen bin Abdulaziz, Advisor to the Ministry of Tourism
- Mr. Majdi Bashadi, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism Office – Hadhramaut Coast
- Mr. Ibrahim Bakhal’ah, Director of Tourism in Mukalla District
- Ms. Arwa Al-Okbari, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Tourism Office – Hadhramaut Coast
During the field visit, the committee evaluated hotels according to approved professional standards and requirements. The evaluation is a precursor to awarding the most outstanding facilities the “Best Hotel in Services shield and the Tourism Excellence Shield to encourage positive competition and raise the efficiency of the hospitality sector.
The committee set strict criteria for the selection process, focusing on:
1. Quality and efficiency of services provided to guests
2. Full compliance with health requirements and hygiene and safety standards
3. Reception capacity and readiness to handle tourist influx
4. Adherence to approved price lists to ensure comfort, safety, and a welcoming image that reflects Hadhramaut’s distinguished tourism standing
Desert Sky Travel Commentary:
This inspection ahead of the Al-Balada Season is a strong signal that Hadhramaut is serious about quality tourism. For operators like Desert Sky Travel, having hotels meet professional standards means we can confidently promote Mukalla as a gateway for cultural tourism and link it with Socotra and other Yemeni destinations. We welcome these efforts to improve guest experience and position Yemen’s coast as a competitive regional destination.
