REVITALIZATION OF SAIDA’S TOURISM MODEL FOR THE TOURISM AND CULTURE-LED REVITALIZATION IN VALUABLE AREAS Dr. Khaled Abdul-Aziz Osman1, Dr. Baher… [301714]

REVITALIZATION OF SAIDA’S [anonimizat]. [anonimizat]1, Dr. Baher Ismail Farahat2

1 [anonimizat], Egypt, E-mail: [anonimizat]

2 [anonimizat], Lebanon, E-mail: [anonimizat]

ABSTRACT:

This research paper is a [anonimizat]. Saida has been a major touristic city but the city lost its regional importance because of the lack of touristic and entertaining facilities. In addition there is only one hotel in Saida. Therefore, in order to encourage the tourism in Saida and to fully exploit the sea which is the most important feature in the city we suggest that there must be a new building complex to fulfill the above needs by making a new maritime portal and a 5 stars Hotel in order to activate the urban tourism. Moreover, it sheds light on the weak points of the Lebanese local tourism and it suggests a new solution to develop the official economical local governmental income. It develops a methodology based on a specific site analysis working on the proposed urban tissue of Saida. This scientific paper was mainly divided into two sections: [anonimizat], the second section is the field one was based on the site analysis worked through several site visits and some interviews with specialists and officials.

Keywords: [anonimizat], [anonimizat].

1. INTRODUCTION:

Saida has long attracted visitors since its early settlements. [anonimizat]. Old Saida is more than a museum city featuring a rich collection of archaeological highlights. It is a [anonimizat]. 1.

Fig: 1. Saida's Waterfront and its location

Saida is a coastal historic city located in the south of Lebanon. Its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast made of it a target for many empires and civilizations; each left their own trace and made Saida diverse and rich with its cultural heritage. It played a major role in commercial activities and it gained its reputation mainly through its purple dye extracted from murex that became synonymous with royalty. [anonimizat]. [anonimizat]. It became the capital of the 5[anonimizat]. It also gained reputation for glass manufacturing. The temple of Echmoun was built during this period. The Sidonians became very important ship builders and that gave Saida at that time a major military role in fighting against Egyptians and Greeks. The Roman rule marked Saida with a cultural boost. It also remained important in its commercial exchange. [2]

Throughout the Islamic era Saida played the role of a military maritime base. It witnessed many invasions and destructions. In 1111, it came under the control of the crusaders. That made Saida an important military port for the Kingdom of Jerusalem. In 1227, the sea castle was built to defend the northern part of Saida. [anonimizat] 1253, there was a need to build the land castle (Castle of St. Louis) to defend the city’s southern part. Until today these two castles stand in place and form important heritage landmarks. Political stability occurred during the Mamluk era because of their military administration. This stability was translated into the revitalization of Saida’s commercial activities, see fig. 2. [6]

Fig: 2. Urban Evolution of the city of Saida and Old Saida's Waterfront

Al Amir Fakhreddine II built a palace that survives till now. He also renovated many parts of the city. Throughout the 17th century many monuments were built: khans, mosques, and madrassas that took part in the evolution of the city. In the 18th century, when Saida was the port of Damascus, the maritime activity became more vibrant. The prosperous seaport transactions faded because of the 1831 earthquake and the bombing of the Ottoman European campaign. The development of Beirut city and the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 further compromised the commercial function of Saida’s seaport. [2]

2. THE DESCRIPTION OF SAIDA, LEBANON:

2.1 The History & Timeline of Saida:

Saida’s urban history is not well documented and understood as a process of urbanization across the ages. The information is scattered and the historical narrative is fragmented. The evolution of the city over time and the various factors that impacted its role need to be recorded and analyzed to present a comprehensive urban history of Saida. The following timeline has been constructed here to aid the understanding of the city’s historical narrative and memory and the major events that impacted its urban history. [13]

2.2 The Problematic of Saida:

Condition of obsolescence: Saida’s rich heritage suffers from years of neglect, deterioration, lack of protection measures and uncontrolled urbanization. Large scale urban development projects and infrastructure, such as the coastal highway, do not take into account the protections of archeological, natural and historic sites. Rapid urbanization and uncontrolled building practices over the past two decades eradicated agricultural belt that is part of the rural heritage of the city. Archeological sites are not accessible and are threatened by the urban development. Poor urban environment with high pollution, vehicular traffic, noise, neglected public spaces…etc. Inadequate infrastructure and services.

Lack of Accessibility, Promotion and Awareness: Saida’s heritage is not inventoried, mapped, researched, or published. There is no inventory of the most endangered monuments; and no database of the cultural heritage in general. Access to the old city is limited. There are no official maps or touristic brochures. Those that are available are limited to the old city or parts within it. There is no proper signage system to guide people through the maze of streets in the old city. There is a general lack of awareness of heritage significance and value by the local population. [2]

Weak Local and International Tourism: With the exception of the rest house, No proper facilities such as a tourist center, public toilets, hotel, youth hostels…etc. Only 90,000 local and international tourists visit the city. The visits are short and mostly for part of a day. Misuse of saida's waterfront; the promenade on the Cornish is dull , there's no aesthetic attractions there but the sea. There's no entertainment facilities at saida's waterfront to revitalize the tourism in the city. Failure in usage the sea as a touristic attraction to the people in the city, and its visitors. There's no investments to make a clear touristic center in saida's waterfront. [8]

2.3 The Economic Factors in Saida:

About one third of the economic activity in Saida is concentrated within the wholesale and retail trade and repair sectors. 16.4% of the working population is in the construction sector. Manufacturing comprises around 18.% of economic activity (other manufacturing and food products), and it is mainly concerned with the production of sweets and bakeries, and the manufacturing of furniture. Hotels and restaurants make up the smallest share of economic activity, which is something to be considered if Saida is to be envisaged as a tourist city. In addition, agriculture and fishing take up a very small share of economic activity (2.2%), which reflects and under‐exploitation of the city's marine resources and urban agriculture potential, see fig. 3. [8]

Fig: 3. Distribution of economic activity across sectors in Saida

About tourism in Saida: Despite recent efforts, Saida’s rich heritage stock remains largely inaccessible and untapped as a cultural and economic resource. Many of its archeological sites are not open to the public and most of its monuments are not restored or adaptively re‐used. Natural and landscape heritage sites are not recognized or protected from environmental and human impact. The old city has limited access and is not well advertised or networked with tourist destinations. The infrastructure and the facilities are not adequate which adds to the problem and which does not allow for long stays in the city.

Saida’s Sea Castle which is one of the most significant landmarks and one of the most popular and accessible destinations for visitors and tourists suffers from pollution, trash along its causeway and general neglect. [1]

In addition the city does not have a museum for its traditional crafts or for its artifacts. It does not have training programs or subsidies to sustain traditional crafts and integrate them into the local economy. Festivals around religious holidays and seasonal agricultural and fishing practices have disappeared or threatened by political tension and financial challenges. However, it must be acknowledged that since the rehabilitation of key monuments such as Khan El Franj and the rehabilitation and establishment of private museums such as the Audi soap factory, an increasing number of groups of students and tourists both local and international have visited Saida’s historic core.

It is important to note here that tourism needs to be promoted and facilitated for but that such efforts need to be seen as integral to an overall urban development in which tourism is not the dominant over but complimentary to local economies. Its development needs to be integrated with ecological and with socio‐cultural development so that balanced results are achieved between improving the quality of life for the local inhabitants, offering quality experience for the tourists and protecting the quality of the environment.

There is little data and statistical analysis of tourism in Saida. A questionnaire that was developed by the Consultation and Research Institute (CRI) offers some insights into the purpose and length of visits to Saida though it had a very small sample of 156 people. The results are shown in the figures 4 and 5: [1]

Fig: 4. Purpose of visit to Saida’s old city

Fig: 5. Rating of visitor‐related issues in Saida

2.4 Archeological Sites & Monuments in Saida:

Sea Citadel (Al-Qalaa Al-Bahriya): Situated 80 meters away from the coast on a small rocky island, the Sea Citadel stands like an iconic symbol of protection of Saida, see fig 6.

Al-Zirke Island: The Al-Zirke Island, also known as the "Island of Saida", served as an external port in antiquity and stunningly cuts into the horizon to the North, a few meters away. Reached by boat, marks of construction and the remnants of a mysterious wall built with big blocks of stone thought to be of Phoenician origin, see fig. 6. [12]

Fig: 6. Sea Citadel and Al-Zirke Island

Khan Al-Franj/ The French Caravanserai: One of the important monuments built by the Emir Fakhreddine II, the French Caravanserai is still the center of great activity. With its rectangular inner court, its central pond, vaulted galleries and hotel rooms, it was the centre of trading activity in Saida up to the 19th c. The monument has been successively used as a French Consul residence, a Franciscan Convent, an orphanage, and then a French Cultural Centre, see fig. 7.

Al-Bahr Mosque: The first mosque that rises tall facing the sea, near Khan Al-Franj, is Al-Bahr Mosque, or the Mosque of the Sea. It was built in 1373 A.D./ 775 H. by Hassan bin Sawah and it has the tallest minaret in Saida. A Koran school directed by the wakf (A non-profit endowment) of the Hammoud family, is attached to it and has a beautiful wooden minbar. [12]

Debbane Palace Museum: The Debbane palace was built in 1721 as part of a wakf (a nonprofit endowment), a notable from Saida. It is related to several other buildings in the old city which once formed part of the same endowment. In 1800, the Debbane family acquired the house and turned it into their main residence. The Debbane Palace was listed as a historic monument in 1968.

Fig: 7. Khan Al-Franj and Debbane Palace Museum

The Soap Museum: The Hammoud family built the soap factory in the middle of the 17th c. In the 19th c., the Audi family acquired the factory. The soap factory operated till 1975, but it was then closed because of the war. Mr. Raymond Audi funded the renovation works in the early 1996 that transformed the soap factory into a Soap Museum. The project was completed in April 2000. This Museum presents the different steps involved in soap fabrication, its diverse forms and properties and a brief summary on its regions of origin. The museum also presents an overview on public baths and includes a fascinating clay pipes collection originating from the Ottoman Empire, see Fig. 8. [2]

Fig: 8. The Soap Museum

2.5 Cultural Heritage Site Analysis of Saida:

Fig: 9. Old Saida land use

The area surrounding Saida is rich with rural and landscape heritage that has to be accounted for in any sustainable development strategy. When looking at heritage, the wider context and network is important. The hills around Saida, the water systems and the agricultural practices are all important components of its heritage and character. These however are not studies or recorded. Much of the green historic or rural sites are now under threat by real‐estate development and lack of protective measures. There is a clear need for surveys and studies that identify and protect these sites. The most obvious ones are listed and mapped here as a preliminary reference, see figs. 9, 10, 11 and 12. [1]

Fig: 10. Saida historical gates and its cultural heritage eras

Fig: 11. Important touristic places in Saida

Fig: 12. The skyline of Saida

3. TOURISM & CULTURE-LED REVITALIZATION:

Providing new economic activity: To revitalize valuable areas, countries are attempting to attract new activities; a key new activity has been tourism and associated culture activities. Strategies for tourism and culture-led revitalization have encourage the exploitation of the area's historic legacy for tourist development. such development has usually meant a partial or extensive restructuring of the area's economic base. Tourism is used combat an area's image obsolescence by introducing new uses that take advantages of its valuable character. This part will examine the development of tourism and the use of culture as a means of revitalizing valuable areas by providing new economic activity to replace or compliment domestic uses which are in decline or have disappeared from the area. The prime motivation being the generation of new forms of economic activity and employment. [11]

Tourism in valuable areas: The objectives behind tourism projects vary widely, however, many tourism development projects are often opportunistic. Concern for the conservation of particular buildings is often an important motivator with the valuable areas providing the broader physical focus. Nevertheless, a city's determination to develop its tourist industry appears to be a critical element in initiating a program of tourism development, while planning is required to give coherence to a series of often opportunistic developments by the private sector. Thus, in the development of any local tourist industry a public sector is often the key player in coordinating and creating any tourism strategy, in providing and managing public open spaces, in constructing some of the principle attractions and in making grant assistance available to the private sector. The aim of tourism promotion was: partly to boost the city, partly to revitalize the city, and partly to physically regenerate valuable areas. [5]

Management, investment, and tourism strategies: Tourism projects can help to counter image obsolescence by having a positive impact of the perception of a valuable area, thereby leading to increased confidence and likelihood of investment. The process of introducing tourism into a valuable area is a complicated one. Often attractions will already exist but these may be at a basic level with few ancillary facilities and poor infrastructure. Usually the development of tourism or valuable areas will result from the recognition and opportunistic exploitation of an area's potential. The success of any tourism strategy is often due to the various players sharing a common goal and working together to achieve this aim. [3] There were number of government initiatives to promote local economic revitalization. This usually included the promotion of tourism and heritage resources with urban planners in effect taking on the role not only of market managers through land-use planning regulation but more directly also that of the makers of market places for their town's heritage products. However, whether or not any official tourism strategy does exist within a valuable area, the initial development of tourism in such areas has been the result of entrepreneurial opportunism and determination whether private or public sector led. Then, both the public and private sectors are usually linked in the creation of a successful tourist destination. [9]

4. CASE STUDIES:

In this part, two case studies will be examined and their attempts to exploit the tourism potential inherent in valuable areas compared; Lowell, Massachusetts and Beirut Marina, Zaytouna Bay.

4.1 Lowell, Massachusetts:

Location: Lowell is a former mill town located 25 miles north-west of Boston at the confluence of the Concord and Merrimack rivers which described as the first great manufacturing town of 19th century in America. [10]

Program: National historic park, Boott Cotton Mills Museum, Residential apartments, Artists galleries, The Tsongas industrial centre, Cultural resource and folk life center, Teacher training facilities, and other Exhibition areas.

The decline and conservation of Lowell: The collapse of Lowell's cotton textile industry in the early 20th century as one of the worst examples of decline in new England's mill towns. The problems actually began with the harnessing of steam-power in the late 19th century which superseded Lowell's natural advantage of water-power. In addition, the town suffered from a location obsolescence as its inland situation soon became a hindrance in terms of transportation. These disadvantages led to many manufacturers moving to the coast for more efficient import or export. Due to its stagnant economy and decaying physical environment, Lowell attracted little investment for urban renewal and slum clearance, that about 1960s. Nevertheless, this was subsequently to be an advantage. As senator Paul Tsongas stated: "Lowell's paralysis in the 1950s and 1960s, which left its original buildings untouched by urban renewal, gave it a better chance to emerge from decay than any amount new roads or shopping centers would have done" [4]

The revitalization of Lowell: The main concept for the tourism-led revitalization in Lowell is credited to educator Patrick Mogan. In 1970, initial funding was acquired from the Great Society Model Cities Program to create a National Historic Park. The Park idea was an attempt to transfer this concept to an urban setting held to be of national significance. Mogan started the transformation process by educational reforms and attracting finance as early as 1966 with federal environmental education money. The University of Lowell and the Lowell Chamber of Commerce, created the Park with the mission of using history to generate tourism and economic development. The National Park service also helped to provide technical assistance to property owners in the renovation of their historic buildings. This resulted in over one hundred old properties being rehabilitated and many new uses being found. This environmental impact in valuable areas is important since it usually provides the initial rational for revitalization; the built environment being the primary resource for tourism in valuable areas. However, the growth of tourism will inevitably lead to modifications in this environment, see fig 13. [10]

Fig: 13. Lowell is characterized by large-scale brick-built warehouse and mill complexes which have been converted into tourist attractions.

Tourist attractions: By 1986, there were over 800000 visitors to the National and State Park organized activities which included canal tours, historic walks, trolley rides and programs of cultural and recreational entertainment. The two major visitor information attractions are the Park Visitor Center at Market Mills and the Boott Cotton Mills Museum. Market Mills is the gateway to the Park. The center features visitor shows, concerts and exhibits which explore the Park themes and is the point of orientation for most tourists in the town. The Boott Cotton Mills with its bell tower is a distinctive landmark in Lowell and its best example of mill architecture. The mill buildings were renovated by a private developer at a cost of 63 million dollars with grant assistant from the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission. [7]

Fig: 14. The Boott Cotton Mills museum with its bell tower.

4.2 Beirut Marina – Zaitunay Bay:

Location: Located in the heart of Downtown Beirut, the site for the new Zaitunay Bay extends the existing Corniche along the seashore into a series of overlapping platforms. [16]

Program: Apartments, Restaurants, Outdoor public spaces with site specific art installations, Specialty Stores, Harbormaster, Yacht club, and Public facilities.

Fig: 15. Zaitunay Bay location

Fig: 16. Zaitunay Bay Design Model and Yacht Club Hotel

The revitalization of Beirut Marina – Zaitunay Bay: The Corniche is inflated to create an 'urban beach,' with levels subtly articulated to provide outdoor spaces with public areas for artwork. The concept takes its shape from strata and layers in forking vectors. Like the ancient beach that was once the site, the planar lapping waves of the sea inspire striated spaces in horizontal layers, as distinct from vertical objects. The horizontal and the planar become a geometric force shaping the new harbor spaces. The form allows a striated organization of public and private spaces which includes apartments, yacht club, public facilities, harbormaster, restaurants, and specialty stores. The syncopated rhythm of platforms is achieved by constructing the overall curve of the Corniche in 5 angles relating to 5 reflecting pools. Due to variations in height along the Corniche, the platform levels and pools vary slightly in height allowing quiet, gravity-fed fountains to connect each pool level. The Hotel as Fig. 17. [16]

Fig: 17. Yacht Club Hotel: Typical Floor Plan and Entrance Level

5. The Revitalization of Saida’s Tourism: Maritime Portal Complex

Saida’s newest entertainment destination, located at the Saida Marina will be created. Accessible to the general public, the upper and lower promenades form an intensely active area, where Lebanese, tourists and Saida lovers enjoy a wide selection of menus, as well as spaces for events, cultural festivals, concerts, exhibitions and a variety of other celebrations. There is something for everyone to discover at the new marina. The destination certainly exceeds all expectations and transcends the national borders to further polish Lebanon’s image and allow it to assume yet again its rightful position as a touristic destination. Revitalization of Saida's tourism; The maritime portal complex which contains: 5 stars Hotel, Food and beverage, Retail, Yacht Club.

Waterfront is an area of that is next to a river, lake, or the sea. This area can usually be public space, commercial space, or residential space. Waterfronts, the unique places where land and water meet, are a finite resource embodying the special history and character of each community.

5.1 Waterfront Main Guidelines: [15]

Look First at the Public Space: In planning a waterfront development, city officials or a developer should begin by envisioning a network of well-connected, multi-use public spaces that fit with the community’s shared goals. By orienting waterfront revitalization around public spaces, new construction will enhance the quality of existing destinations and result in a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. While streets may be appropriate on some waterfronts, pedestrian connections should be given top priority, making large parking lots and auto-oriented development out of the question.

Make sure Public Goals are the primary objective: Waterfronts everywhere are too valuable to simply allow developers to dictate what happens there. This is not to say that private development is unwelcome and should be discouraged on the contrary, it is often necessary to the future of a healthy waterfront. But the best solutions for revamping waterfronts put public goals first, not private short-term financial objective . As long as redevelopment plans adhere to the notion that the waterfront is an inherently public asset, it will be relatively easy to follow the rest of the steps here. Community engagement – and, ultimately, local ownership and pride – depend on this basic premise.

Build on existing assets and context: After establishing the public spaces and public goals, begin the public visioning process with the existing assets and surrounding context. Start with the historical form and function of the site to foster a locally grounded identity by channeling former vibrancy into a variety of uses. Existing industrial uses should be preserved when compatible with human activity on the waterfront. Surrounding neighborhoods should be integrated into the waterfront to strengthen connectivity between destinations. And new development should embrace its waterfront context with appropriate orientation and usages.

Create a shared community vision: Unlike a master plan, a community visioning process does not lock a project into a prescribed solution. It is a citizen-driven initiative that outlines a set of goals–ideals to strive for–that set the stage for people to think boldly, make breakthroughs, and achieve new possibilities for their waterfront. Because a vision is adaptable and can be implemented gradually, starting with small experiments, it often becomes more powerful through time as public enthusiasm for making bold changes gains support.

Create Multiple-use destinations by tapping the power of 10: Through decades of work, it has been found that the most effective way to propel a visioning process is to set a goal of creating ten great destinations along a waterfront, an idea we call the “Power of Ten.” This focus on destinations, rather than “open space” or parks, enables a genuine community-led process to take root. Residents, businesses, community organizations and other stakeholders all join in to help identify the key destinations and then define the uses and activities they want to see at each place. After using the Power of 10 to create great destinations throughout a waterfront, the same principle should be applied at each destination to come up with a list of ten activities for that spot. A wealth of things to do broadens the appeal of the destination, encouraging round-the-clock use.

Connect Destination along the waterfront: Destinations should be connected to one another and incorporated into a vision for the waterfront as a whole. A waterfront that is continuously walk able with a variety of activities along the way will successfully link destinations, allowing the appeal of each one to strengthen the place as a whole. Creating these seamless connections is a fascinating challenge that involves mixing uses (such as housing, recreation, entertainment and retail) and mixing partners (such as public institutions and local business owners). Another key element is attracting people to the waterfront on foot or bike, rather than just in their cars. Parks or esplanades should not serve as the whole purpose of the entire waterfront. Too much passive, one-dimensional open space puts a damper on the inherent vibrancy of waterfronts, as evident in many spots throughout Toronto, New York City and Vancouver, cities that have relied too heavily on “greening” their waterfronts without including other public activities that draw people for different reasons at different times. The world’s best waterfronts use parks as connective tissue, using them to link other high-profile destinations together. Helsinki, Stockholm, Sydney, and Baltimore have successfully employed this strategy.

Maximize opportunities for public access: It is essential that the waterfront be accessible for everyone to the greatest extent possible. Here too, the goal of continuity is of paramount importance. Waterfronts with continuous public access are much more popular than those where public space is interrupted. Even small stretches where the waterfront is unavailable to people greatly diminish the experience. California’s Balboa Island, located off the coast of Newport Beach, makes its entire shoreline accessible to the public instead of giving waterfront property owners sole rights of use. Access also means that people can actually interact with the water in numerous ways–from swimming and fishing, to picnicking dockside and feeding the ducks. If it is not possible to actually dip their hands in the water, people should have access to another type of water nearby–such as a fountain, spray play area or a swimming pool that floats next to the shore.

Balance environmental benefits with human needs: While a wide variety of uses can flourish on a waterfront, many successful destinations embrace their natural surroundings by creating a close connection between human and natural needs. Marine biologists and environmentalists today promote the restoration of natural shorelines and advocate replacing crumbling bulkheads with natural vegetation that will improve water quality, and revive fish and wildlife habitat. But this natural restoration should not preclude human use. Boardwalks, interpretive displays, and even more active uses such as playgrounds and picnic areas can be incorporated into the shoreline design without sacrificing environmental benefits.

Start small to make big changes: Good public spaces don’t happen overnight, and no one has all the answers about improving a place right at the outset. Place making is about doing more than planning. Many great plans get bogged down because they are too big, too expensive, and simply take too long to happen. Short-term actions, like planting flowers, can be a good way not only to test ideas, but also to give people the confidence that change is occurring and that their ideas matter.

5.2 Waterfront Development Principles:

Waterfront Development is engaged with public and private sector organizations, and the public at large, in planning development. In fulfilling our public obligations Waterfront Development strives to plan and coordinate developments that: [14]

Maximize continuous public access to the water’s edge;

Create public spaces that are rich in amenities and flexible in their use;

Preserve and interpret historical uses, activities and forms of the waterfront, and conserve lands with marine industrial use potential;

Provide active and dynamic year-round destinations;

Integrate well with, and support, the surrounding urban fabric;

Exemplify architectural quality, have animated streetscapes, and respect and support activity at the water’s edge, and;

Are economically and environmentally sustainable;

Coordinating the adaptive best use redevelopment of underutilized waterfront properties;

Working with colleagues to continually benchmark international best practices for waterfront development to determine appropriate built form and use;

Redevelop properties through innovative partnership that are aligned with the public interest, and designed to support and celebrate animated public spaces and foster economic development;

Ensuring high quality designs and maintenance of public spaces, including public marine recreational facilities;

Championing developments that support sustainable development principles in all project life cycle phases;

Coordinating ongoing consultation with the private and public sector partners to determine best use and achieve world class waterfront developments;

Working collaboratively with relevant regulatory approval bodies and organizations with shared mandates;

Working with private and public sector partners to leverage investments in public realm infrastructure.

6. CONCLUSION AND DESIGN CONSTRAINS:

Saida’s heritage is not inventoried, mapped, researched, or published:

There is no inventory of the most endangered monuments; and no database of the cultural heritage in general;

Access to the old city is limited;

There are no official maps or touristic brochures. Those that are available are limited to the old city or parts within it;

There is no proper signage system to guide people through the maze of streets in the old city;

There is a general lack of awareness of heritage significance and value by the local population;

With the exception of the rest house, No proper facilities such as a tourist center, public toilets, hotel, youth hostels…etc;

Only 90,000 local and international tourists visit the city;

The visits are short and mostly for part of a day;

Misuse of saida's waterfront; the promenade on the Cornish is dull, there's no aesthetic attractions there but the sea;

There's no entertainment facilities at saida's waterfront to revitalize the tourism in the city;

Failure in usage the sea as a touristic attraction to the people in the city, and its visitors.

All these problems will be solved by creating the maritime that will includes many facilities that will increase the number of tourists in Saida.

Saida’s newest entertainment destination, located at the Saida Marina will be created with an hotel, many restaurants , cafes, and a yacht club . Accessible to the general public, the upper and lower promenades form an intensely active area, where Lebanese, tourists and Saida lovers enjoy a wide selection of menus, as well as spaces for events, cultural festivals, concerts, exhibitions and a variety of other celebrations.

There is something for everyone to discover at the new marina. The destination certainly exceeds all expectations and transcends the national borders to further polish Lebanon’s image and allow it to assume yet again its rightful position as a touristic destination.

REFERENCES:

[1] Al‐Hagla, K. (2010), "Sustainable urban development in historical areas using the tourist trail approach: A case study of the Cultural Heritage and Urban Development (CHUD) project in Saida", Article in Cities, 27, 234-248, DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2010.02.001. Retrieved from:

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/248502375 (Last web visit October 2015)

[2] Al-Harithy, H. & Guadagnoli, G. (2013), "Saida Urban Sustainable Development Strategy: Cultural and Natural Heritage", Program funded by the European Union and USUDS, Lebanon.

[3] Bramwell, B. (1993), "Planning for Tourism in an Industrial City", Town and Country Planning.

[4] Gall, L.D. "The Heritage Factor in Lowell's Revitalization", in Weible, R. (ed.), (1991), "The Continuing Revolution: A History of Lowell, Massachusetts", Lowell Historical Society, Lowell.

[5] Law, C.M. (1994), "Urban Tourism: Attracting Visitors to Large Cities", Mansell, London.

[6] Makhzoumi, J. & Sabbagh, S. (2013), "Saida Urban Sustainable Development Strategy: Green/ Open Space Network", Program funded by the European Union and USUDS, Lebanon.

[7] National Park Service (1992), "Official National Park Handbook 140: Lowell – The Story of an Industrial City", National Park Service, Washington.

[8] Pierre-Arnaud, B. (2014), "Cities for a new generation: Report on Saida", CMI, Lebanon. Retrieved from:

http://beta.cmimarseille.org/sites/default/files/12_Saida_Review

[9] Prentice, R. (1993), "Tourism and Heritage Attractions", Rutledge, London.

[10] Ryan, L.A. "The Remaking of Lowell and Its Histories", in Weible, R. (ed.), (1991), "The Continuing Revolution: A History of Lowell, Massachusetts", Lowell Historical Society, Lowell.

[11] Tiesdell, S., Oc, T., Heath, T., (1996), "Revitalizing Historic Urban Quarters", Architectural Press, An imprint of Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, England.

[12] UNESCO (2001), "3rd International Seminar: Urban Development: Finding a Balance among Land, Sea and People", University Institute of Technology, SAIDA, Lebanon.

[13] Zantout, T. (2008), "Elite Planning Initiatives in Historic City Cores: The Case Study of the Old City of Sidon", (Unpublished Master dissertation thesis), AUB, Lebanon.

[14] http://my-waterfront.ca/development-principles/ (Last web visit October 2015)

[15] http://www.pps.org/reference/stepstocreatingagreatwaterfront/ (Last web visit October 2015)

[16] http://www.zaitunaybay.com/ (Last web visit October 2015)

الإحياء السياحى للواجهة البحرية لمدينة صيدا البنانية

نموذج للإحياء الثقافى والسياحى للمناطق ذات القيمة

د./ خالد عبد العزيز عثمان 1، د./ باهر إسماعيل فرحات 2

1 أستاذ مساعد، جامعة مصر الدولية، مصر

2 أستاذ مساعد، جامعة بيروت العربية، لبنان

ملخص البحث:

هذه الورقة البحثية هى محاولة من الباحثين لوضع إطار نظرى تطبيقى يمكن من خلاله الإحياء السياحى للمناطق ذات القيمة وخاصةً للمدن التراثية التى لها واجهة بحرية مميزة، فهى تلقى الضوء على إحياء الواجهة البحرية لمدينة صيدا اللبنانية (شكل رقم 18) والتى تعتبر مدينة سياحية من الدرجة الأولى لكنها فقدت أهميتها السياحية بسبب إفتقادها للعديد من الخدمات السياحية والترفيهية، فهى على سبيل المثال تحتوى على فندق واحد فقط حتى الآن، لذلك لكى يمكن تحفيز وتشجيع السياحة فى مدينة صيدا وكذلك إستغلال الواجهة البحرية لها والتى تعتبر السمة الأساسية المميزة لها يجب إعادة إحياء النشاط السياحى بها عن طريق إنشاء مبنى متعدد الوظائف لتحقيق الإحتياجات السياحية المفقودة السابق ذكرها والذى يحتوى على مدخل وبوابة بحرية مهمة للمدينة وكذلك على فندق 5 نجوم لتنشيط السياحة العمرانية بها، علاوة على ذلك، فهذه الورقة البحثية تلقى الضوء أيضاً على نقاط القصور الأساسية للسياحة فى المدينة وهى تقترح بعض الحلول الجديدة لتنمية البعد الإقتصادى والدخل القومى للدولة.

منهجية الورقة البحثية تعتمد على التحليل العلمى لمدينة صيدا وواجهتها البحرية ونسيجها العمرانى ومبانيها التراثية، فتم تقسيمها إلى عدة أجزاء رئيسية: أولها جزء نظرى تحليلى تناول مدينة صيدا من حيث خلفيتها التاريخية ومبانيها التراثية والأبعاد الإقتصادية المختلفة بها، وثانيها تناول فكر إحياء المدن التراثية وخاصةً بإحياء البعد الإقتصادى السياحى بها، وثالثها إعتمد على تحليل فعلى لمدينة صيدا وواجهتها البحرية تحديداً عن طريق بعض زيارات للموقع وكذلك عمل لقاءات شخصية مع المتخصصين والمسئولين بالمدينة.

الكلمات المفتاحية: التصميم العمرانى، الحفاظ الحضرى، الإحياء الثقافى والسياحى.