Bahrain's Minister of Tourism: Gulf Cooperation enhances the standing of GCC countries as an integrated tourist destination
Manama, Sept 10 (KUNA) -- Bahraini Minister of Tourism Fatima Al-Sairafi stated that the 10th meeting of the Committee of Ministers Responsible for Tourism in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries represents a crucial milestone for building upon the progress achieved in tourism cooperation pathways and coordinating efforts to enhance the sector’s resilience and capacity to adapt to changes, while consolidating the GCC’s position as a comprehensive regional and international tourist destination.
This was stated in Minister Al-Sairafi’s address while presiding over the 10th meeting of the Committee of Ministers Responsible for Tourism in GCC countries today, Thursday.
She emphasized that the trajectory of GCC tourism cooperation enjoys the support and attention of the GCC Heads of State, who are keen on enhancing coordination and integration among member states to support development and prosperity pathways and realize the aspirations of the GCC countries and their peoples.
In the same context, the joint GCC statement issued after the 10th meeting of the Ministers Responsible for Tourism in the GCC countries noted that the ministers reviewed the latest developments in the GCC tourism sector, highlighting its high resilience and ability to recover from the impacts of recent regional developments and adapt to associated challenges. This reflects the robustness of the GCC tourism system and the efficiency of the infrastructure and tourism services in member states.
The ministers also discussed the latest updates on the implementation of joint GCC tourism initiatives and projects, as well as ways to enhance tourism integration, develop joint promotional and marketing efforts, support intra-GCC tourism, and raise the competitiveness of the GCC tourism sector. These efforts contribute to achieving sustainable development goals and diversifying the national economies of the GCC countries.
The ministers affirmed that the GCC tourism sector possesses high resilience and growing capacity to face regional and international challenges and changes, relying on diverse tourism assets, advanced infrastructure, quality investments, and an enabling environment for growth and sustainability.
They pointed out that current indicators reflect the continued attractiveness of the GCC countries to visitors from around the world, with positive expectations for sustained growth in the coming years. This growth is supported by major tourism projects, international events, and increasing investments in tourism, culture, entertainment, and sports sectors, alongside the expansion of air connectivity and facilitation of travel and mobility procedures.
The ministers stressed that the security and stability enjoyed by the GCC countries, along with their advanced legislative and regulatory frameworks and world-class infrastructure, form a solid foundation for enhancing the sustainability of tourism development and increasing the confidence of investors and visitors.
They further clarified that the GCC tourism system relies on an integrated network of airports, airlines, and advanced tourism facilities, in addition to hosting and organizing major global events, conferences, and activities, which enhances the sector’s readiness and capacity to keep pace with various changes.
They praised the efforts undertaken by the relevant tourism authorities in GCC countries, in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the GCC, to enhance joint coordination, exchange information and expertise, and monitor sector developments. These efforts have contributed to strengthening the resilience of the GCC tourism sector, maintaining the confidence of visitors and investors, and ensuring its sustainable growth.
The ministers emphasized the importance of continuing coordination and integration among tourism authorities in GCC countries, in cooperation with the General Secretariat, to enhance the efficiency of joint efforts and consolidate the GCC’s position on the global tourism map. They adopted a tourism sector recovery plan comprising several initiatives aimed at restoring momentum to the tourism sector in the GCC countries.
In this context, they commended the progress made in several joint initiatives and projects and agreed to continue working to accelerate the implementation of related priorities and projects, contributing to supporting the recovery, growth, and sustainability of the tourism sector.
They stressed the importance of continuing coordination in supporting the tourism sector, enhancing joint tourism promotion, developing tourism programs and products, coordinating media efforts, upgrading the tourism data and statistics system, supporting innovation and digital transformation, and developing human resources to meet requirements and developments and enhance tourism integration among GCC countries.
Regarding support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s bid for re-election to the Executive Board of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the GCC Ministers Responsible for Tourism welcomed Saudi Arabia’s submission of its candidacy for the UNWTO Executive Board for the period 2027–2031. They affirmed the full support of the GCC countries for this candidacy representing the Middle East region, appreciating the Kingdom’s pivotal role in developing the tourism sector, enhancing international cooperation in tourism, and its active contributions to supporting the organization’s work and achieving its objectives.
The ministers reiterated the importance of continuing joint efforts to enhance GCC tourism integration and build a more competitive and sustainable sector that effectively contributes to diversifying national economies and achieving the development visions and strategies of the GCC countries.
They also expressed confidence in the GCC countries’ ability to face regional and international challenges and mitigate their impacts on the tourism sector, relying on their solid economic and tourism foundations, advanced infrastructure, and high levels of security, stability, and integration. These factors enhance the confidence of visitors and investors and consolidate the region’s position as a leading global tourist destination. (End) K.N.A./M.N.F.
