Tourism Minister highlights sustainable tourism, cultural integration at UNWTO meeting
Cartagena, Nov. 17 (BNA): Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism and Chairperson of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), led Bahrain’s delegation at the 122nd session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Executive Council meeting, held on November 13-15 in Colombia.
The minister emphasised the importance of cultural heritage preservation as a core element of Bahrain's Tourism Strategy 2022-2026. She highlighted sites like Bahrain Fort and national museums as both key tourist attractions and reflections of the nation’s rich history and diverse cultures.
She highlighted the strategic partnership between BTEA and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) in preserving Bahrain’s identity through initiatives promoting traditional crafts, music, and cuisine as integral components of the Kingdom’s unique tourism experience.
The minister emphasised the importance of events such as the Bahrain Food Festival, Bahrain Summer Festival, and National Day celebrations in attracting global tourists, stimulate local economic activity, and provide opportunities for foreign investors to engage with Bahrain’s cultural scene.
Al Sairafi underscored the need to measure the social and cultural impact of tourism investments by involving local communities in managing cultural sites and organising events.
She highlighted the role of surveys targeting artists, historians, and residents to assess tourism’s influence on cultural heritage and enhance historical knowledge.
She highlighted the role of awareness and cultural strategies as tools to foster connections between visitors and residents, strengthen national identity,
The UNWTO Executive Council meeting addressed shared priorities among member states and explored ways to support UNWTO initiatives globally, reflecting international commitment to sustainable tourism development at regional and global levels.
