Manama: Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism and Chairperson of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), participated in a high-level ministerial dialogue titled “Building Bridges Through Tourism” during the UNWTO World Tourism Day 2024 celebrations in Georgia.

During her address, the minister emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to developing a competitive tourism sector through technological innovation and strengthening various tourism pathways, aligning with Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy (2022-2026).

She highlighted the role of tourism in promoting cultural communication, global peace, and sustainable development.

“This aims to achieve sustainable development that supports community prosperity and lasting peace, in line with the strategic objectives of Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy (2022-2026). Foremost among these objectives is establishing Bahrain as a leading global tourism destination, Al Sairafi said.

She also noted the significance of Manama as a hub for communication, coexistence
, and peace, showcasing it as a model for cultural exchange and alignment with sustainable development goals.

On the sidelines of the dialogue, the minister held meetings with Ahmed bin Aqeel Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia; Dr. Ahmed Fakak Al Badrani, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities of Iraq; and Dato Sri Tiong Keng Seng, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture of Malaysia. The meetings discussed coordination and cooperation in the tourism sector.

The World Tourism Day celebration in Tbilisi, organised by the UNWTO, included panel discussions and workshops addressing the role of international cooperation in tourism and promoting global peace. The event concluded with an awards ceremony and the announcement of Malaysia as the host for World Tourism Day 2025.

Source: Bahrain News Agency