The forty-ninth meeting of the UN World Tourism Organization (WTO) Regional Commission for the Middle East commenced Wednesday at the Dead Sea. Attended by the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization and tourism ministers of the Arab member countries, this pivotal event is expected to catalyze discussions and generate insights into the tourism sector. Jordanian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Makram Qaisi, greeted the participants, "I am delighted to welcome you all to our beloved homeland, Jordan, a land of rich history and ancient civilization." Qaisi underscored the critical role of the tourism sector in promoting global growth, facilitating cultural exchange, and integrating sustainable development values worldwide. He highlighted the Middle East's recent significant growth in tourism, attributing it to the region's rich history and cultural offerings that appeal to global travelers. "The meeting serves as an ideal platform to exchange ideas and opinions on how we can further strengthen the tourism sector. We are here to address challenges and more importantly, capitalize on opportunities," Qaisi stated. He extended his gratitude to the WTO for its ongoing support to Jordan in enhancing its tourism sector and reinforcing partnerships to further develop the unique Jordanian tourism offerings. "The success of this meeting relies on our ability to discuss real collaboration between Middle Eastern countries. We aim to build an integrated relationship that enriches our tourism product, increasing its appeal globally," Qaisi added. The Minister referred to the Ministry's marketing arm, the Jordan Tourism Board, and the Department of Antiquities as key players in promoting partnerships with regional countries. "We believe in the complementarity of our tourism offerings, as each country holds unique attractions. Together, we create a captivating global tapestry of experiences," he noted. Qaisi affirmed Jordan's commitment to making the meeting effective in bolstering unity and agreement among regional countries, ultimately serving the present and future of the tourism sector. Meanwhile, Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the WTO, emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges faced by the tourism sector. He acknowledged Jordan and the Middle East as a central hub for tourism, expressing his pleasure to be present in Jordan, a country known for its distinctive tourism product. Ahmed Issa, Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, and head of the WTO Regional Commission for the Middle East, noted that the meeting comes at a critical time when the global and regional tourism industry shows promising signs of recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. "Our region has demonstrated the strongest recovery among all regions worldwide, surpassing pre-COVID numbers in the first quarter of this year by up to 15 percent," Issa stated, attributing this to increased demand and easing travel restrictions. Issa also emphasized the region's resilience amid global changes and its capability to host international events. "Our Arab countries, the cradle of monotheistic religions, have tourism potentials that rightfully rank them among the most distinguished tourist destinations globally," he concluded.
Source: Jordan News Agency