The Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers of Oman, HH Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, recently met with Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of the UN Tourism, and heads of delegations attending the 50th meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East. The focus of the meeting was on the Conference on “Investing in Tourism: Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainable Financing” hosted by Oman. HH Sayyid Fahd emphasized the importance of tourism in supporting global economic growth and its role in generating positive social and economic returns for countries. Oman has prioritized tourism and implemented plans to attract investments in tourism projects to diversify the economy and create more job opportunities.
HH Sayyid Fahd commended the World Tourism Organization (WTO) for its efforts in developing the tourism sector, which has positioned the Middle East as a leading region in attracting tourists globally. The meeting discussed ways to maximize the benefits of tourism to support international cooperation in human resources qualification, exchange of experiences, and promoting tourism as a tool for peace and stability worldwide. Delegation heads praised Oman for its excellent preparation for the meetings and acknowledged the country’s achievements and progress at all levels.
The meeting was attended by Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, the Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Omar Said Al Kithiri, the Ambassador of Oman to Spain and its Permanent Delegate to the UN Tourism, and Basmah Abdulaziz Al-Mayman, the Regional Director for the Middle East at the UN Tourism. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration in promoting tourism as a means of economic growth and stability globally. Oman’s commitment to developing the tourism sector as a key driver of economic diversification and job creation was evident in the discussions during the meeting.
The participants also emphasized the role of tourism in fostering cultural exchange and understanding among different nations, contributing to global peace and stability. The Sultanate of Oman’s efforts to attract investments in tourism projects and support the growth of the sector were recognized and appreciated by the delegation heads. The positive impact of tourism on social and economic development was highlighted as a key factor in promoting sustainable financing opportunities in the tourism sector.
Overall, the meeting reaffirmed the importance of tourism as a vital component of economic growth and development in the Middle East region and beyond. The Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to promoting tourism as a key driver of economic diversification and job creation was applauded by delegation heads. The discussions focused on cooperation in maximizing the benefits of tourism to support international development and promote peace and stability globally. Oman’s efforts to attract investments in tourism projects and develop the sector were commended, underscoring the country’s dedication to sustainable financing and growth in the tourism industry.