Bahrain’s Minister of Tourism, Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi has reaffirmed the Kingdom’s dedication to actively engaging in international forums on tourism development and maintaining its role as a key partner in shaping the future of sustainable global tourism.
Al Sairafi made this statement during the 123rd session of the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which took place in Segovia, Spain. This gathering brought together tourism ministers and senior officials from UNWTO member states to discuss critical issues shaping the future of global tourism.
The Tourism Minister highlighted the importance of integrated cooperation with other member states to achieve comprehensive development goals and strengthen global tourism collaboration.
Al Sairafi underscored the need to harness technology to enhance the tourism experience, promote innovation in service delivery, and share expertise among countries to raise the quality of tourism products and improve the visitor experience.
The minister noted Bahrain’s commitment to reaching carbon neutrality by 2060 and supporting sustainable ecotourism through clean energy projects that align with the Kingdom’s international climate commitments.
UNWTO explores global tourism shifts and future events
The meetings also addressed several key topics, including a report by the UNWTO Secretary-General on current trends in global tourism, recovery, and growth rates, and challenges and opportunities resulting from economic and environmental shifts.
The Council confirmed the locations for upcoming meetings, with the 124th session scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia later in 2025. Preparations for the 26th UNWTO General Assembly and proposals for World Tourism Day themes for 2026 and 2027 were also reviewed, reflecting the international community’s aspirations for a more resilient and sustainable tourism sector.
