Doha: Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism, participated in the 51st meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation's (UNWTO) Regional Commission for the Middle East, along with the Conference on Sports Tourism and the Tourism Industry After the FIFA World Cup, held in Qatar. Al Sairafi emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to promote sports tourism and boost intra-regional tourism.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Al Sairafi highlighted the region's achievements in sports and its successful hosting of international events. She underscored the importance of showcasing the Gulf's cultural identity and heritage. The minister stated that attracting major sporting events plays a vital role in strengthening GCC economies by facilitating investments and diversifying income sources.
Al Sairafi noted that sports tourism is a key pillar of Bahrain's Tourism Strategy 2022-2026, with a commitment to attracting significant international sporting events. She emphasized this approach contributes to sustainable tourism growth and reinforces Bahrain's position as a leading regional and international destination.
She commended Bahrain's achievements in the field, citing the development of sports infrastructure as a crucial factor in attracting international events. Al Sairafi highlighted the impact of world-class facilities in establishing Bahrain as a premier host for major sporting events, solidifying its status in sports tourism.
Furthermore, Al Sairafi underscored the positive impact of sporting events in attracting visitors and investors, enhancing Bahrain's global presence, and creating new economic opportunities. She discussed the events' role in revitalizing tourism-related sectors, promoting Bahrain's cultural identity internationally, and fostering cross-cultural engagement.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Al Sairafi held discussions with Lina Annab, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Jordan; Walid Nassar, Minister of Tourism of Lebanon; and Mohammad Rami Martini, Minister of Tourism of Syria, focusing on strengthening cooperation in the tourism sector.