“Some destinations are just not a place but a new way of seeing things.”
This quote emphasizes the transformative nature of journeys. It suggests that the true essence of travel does not lie in reaching a physical destination but in gaining a fresh perspective. This sentiment resonates in various contexts, including personal growth and self-discovery.
In a recent visit to Makkah, though it was a spiritual visit, the travel management and tourist-friendly ecosystem are something to be lauded. The good vibes started coming out right from the moment the immigration check was done.
Transportation and Travel
The entire destination has good connectivity through buses, cabs, and luxury cars as per one’s budget. All buses are fully equipped with guides and an audio system to tell you the stories and facts related to the places of visit. All those buses have toilets; it is not allowed to pee either on the roadside or in any place that is deserted. The buses have automatic temperature control along with mandatory first aid kits and emergency services. The driver and staff are humble enough to take you to your destination, and instructions are given not to argue with or communicate directly with the tourist. It is the guide’s job to manage the entire show. No overloading is allowed. Passengers cannot keep their belongings on the floors.
Cleanliness & sanitation
The entire place has well-managed cleaning systems (machine and manual), with various agencies and workers aligned at different levels. Placements of dustbins and toilets are well cleaned religiously at regular intervals. One can find smartly dressed men with waste-picking sticks and buckets everywhere. The psychology is that nobody litters; if you still find something, it will be cleared then and there.
Safety & Security
Smart surveillance systems and gadgets with control rooms and physical force to monitor every move of the tourists as well as vendors and locals. Hi-Fi cameras make it possible to fix the issues and penalize the culprit instantly. The locals and the cab drivers are advised to help the guests, and that is one of the best things to see, where even if you are standing alone in the middle of the desert and some locals pass by, they will stop and decide for you.
One cannot pick anything that is lying on the streets or roads; the person who has lost it will come and take it, or only the police can pick it up and deposit it in the Lost & Found section. The Police 911 is always on their toes to help, and you will not find them arguing with any locals or tourists.
Food and Beverage
Almost 95% of food products are imported; less than 5% are cultivated in Saudi Arabia, but you will find all items and fruits available in good quality and at a good price. You cannot keep stale and low-standard products. If someone is found guilty, they are barred for a long time. So, all the groceries, vegetables, and food items are always of high quality.
Last but not least,
Above all, there is a high penalty system, and nobody discriminates; it is applicable to both locals and tourists. If you mess with the system, you will be penalized heavily and made to suffer, no matter whether you are from King’s family or a normal worker.
Trust me, these are the things that made me think how the world can be so beautiful to live in while we spend so much time in hate, mistrust, follow bad practices, etc.