|
www.yementimes.com With its beautiful weather and naturally steamy hot waters, Damt, a city south Sana'a and a growing tourist site, has become an attraction for many visitors. Medically, the water plays a role in curing many sicknesses ranging from aching muscles to diabetes and cancer. “Natural medicine is always the better and safer alternative. Doctors around the country instruct their patients to visit the natural spa as part of their treatment,†says Abdullah Al-Ra'eani, a doctor living in Damt.
Locals claim that the water is naturally hot and has been for thousands of years. At times, water temperatures reach 300 degrees Fahrenheit, hotter than any human can bear. This unusual circumstance is what draws people to the city. Hundreds of shops selling all types of swimming paraphernalia are available to ease the way for visitors. Those desiring a special hot pool for the family can rent it for the equivalent of $5 per family. Cheap prices and the area's friendly hospitality are keys to the city's sudden fame.
Hundreds of locals and tourists flock to the city daily. On weekends, it is nearly impossible to book a decent room in one of the city's hotels. Hotel owners estimate that more than 100,000 local and foreign tourists visit the city annually. “The number of visitors multiplies every year and will only increase."
Similar naturally steamy waters exist in other Yemeni locations, including Sana’a, but none are more famous or entertaining than Damt. Investments also have grown in Damt, with hotels and shops spreading faster than ever. More than 30 hotels now exist in the small city, compared to only one five years ago.
Damt Tourist Hotel was the city's first hotel, opening its doors to tourists in 1987. Owner Marzook Ahmed Al-Sabahi said, “My hotel was the only one until five years ago. Nowadays, most buildings on the main street are hotels serving the many flocking tourists. Business here is extremely strong and only recently did the government finally realize the importance of this great tourist attraction.â€
Unfortunately, the government is not doing enough to help the city flourish. A major problem the city and its tourism industry faces is absence of electricity an estimated 12 hours daily. Hotel owners resort to buying private generators to meet their customers' needs. “By 11 p.m., the electricity cuts off and stays off until noon the next day,†said Abu Muaz, owner of Al-Nasr Tourist Hotel. “As citizens, we will do what is needed to serve the city from our side and we ask the government to provide what is necessary for the city's progress from its side,†Abu Muaz added.
Foreign tourists become attached to the city's beauty and what natural beauty it possesses. “It’s amazing, unique and one of a kind,†said a Slavia Todorovski, a European tourist visiting Yemen. “The time I spent in Damt was memorable and unforgettable,†she concluded.
100,000 tourists visited the country in 2005 and the number is expected to rise even higher and the beauty of Damt is one of the reasons.
|
