Cairo: Bahrain participated in the 13th meeting of the Arab Technical Tourism Committee in Cairo. The session brought together representatives from member states, alongside a number of regional organisations and councils involved in tourism affairs.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting was chaired by Noora Al Saadoon, Director of Policy and Planning at the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), as the Kingdom currently holds the presidency of the Committee's current session. Discussions focused on several key topics aligned with the Arab Tourism Strategy, aimed at strengthening tourism cooperation and integration across Arab countries. The agenda also addressed enhancing the sector's resilience in the face of regional and global challenges. They explored avenues to boost international tourism collaboration, particularly in light of rapid technological developments and shifting travel behaviors.
Al Saadoon emphasized the need to transition from coordination to implementation in joint Arab tourism efforts. She underscored the importance of capitalizing on the region's resources and opportunities in line with global trends, highlighting the sector's vital role in driving sustainable development and creating high-quality employment opportunities.
She also presented several Bahraini-led initiatives, most notably a proposal promoting 'experiential learning exchanges' among Arab countries. The initiative seeks to strengthen institutional and professional capabilities by enabling Arab talent to gain hands-on experience across various tourism destinations and administrative institutions within member states.
The meeting further discussed a proposal to activate joint tourism packages, aimed at linking Arab destinations through integrated itineraries. This initiative would allow tourists to visit multiple Arab countries within a single travel programme, thereby enhancing the region's tourism competitiveness and increasing visitor stays and spending.
The Committee's recommendations will be submitted to the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism at its next session, where the proposed initiatives are expected to be approved and their implementation timelines reviewed.