Gulf tourism integration is the path to sustainable growth and global competitiveness: Al-Mutairi
. . . lauded GCC countries’ outstanding participation in Expo Osaka 2025, which he said showcased the region’s creativity, cultural heritage, and developmental progress.
Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, affirmed that the joint meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tourism ministers reflects the great attention that the region’s wise leaders place on the tourism sector as a key pillar of economic and social development, and as a bridge for deepening cultural and human communication between the peoples of the Gulf and the world.
Chairing the virtual meeting on Thursday, Al-Mutairi conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah, the Prime Minister, along with their best wishes for the success of the meeting. He emphasized its importance in strengthening joint Gulf cooperation and advancing integrated efforts in the tourism field.
Al-Mutairi stressed that Gulf tourism integration is the optimal route to maximize shared resources, achieve sustainable growth, and diversify income sources, thereby enhancing the region’s position on the global tourism map.
He expressed his appreciation to the United Arab Emirates for initiating the meeting and for its commitment to enhancing coordination among GCC states ahead of the 26th session of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly, aimed at unifying Gulf positions and strengthening their presence in international tourism forums.
The minister affirmed Kuwait’s full support for the candidacy of Sheikha Al-Nuwais for the position of UNWTO Secretary-General for the 2026–2029 term. He said this nomination reflects the growing influence of Gulf talent on the international stage and enhances the region’s role in shaping the future of global tourism.
Al-Mutairi also praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts in hosting the upcoming 26th UNWTO General Assembly under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.” He described the event as “a pioneering achievement of which we are all proud,” calling it a milestone in Gulf tourism diplomacy and a testament to the Kingdom’s organizational excellence.
He voiced Kuwait’s full confidence in Saudi Arabia’s success and expressed support for the Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism, which focuses on innovation, sustainability, and artificial intelligence to build a competitive and integrated Gulf tourism sector.
The minister commended Bahrain for hosting the “Gulf Gateway” forum, describing it as a vital platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation in the economic, investment, and tourism sectors. The initiative, he said, strengthens Gulf integration and encourages the exchange of successful experiences and best practices.
Al-Mutairi also lauded the GCC countries’ outstanding participation in Expo Osaka 2025, which he said showcased the region’s creativity, cultural heritage, and developmental progress. He extended his best wishes to Saudi Arabia for the successful organization of Expo Riyadh 2030, noting that its selection as host underscores global confidence in the Kingdom’s leadership and its vision for a prosperous, sustainable future for the region and the world.
