The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Saudi Arabia co-hosted World Tourism Day celebrations and the Tourism Leaders' Forum in Riyadh yesterday, attended by Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism Dr Thet Thet Khine and Ambassador U Tin Yu of the Myanmar Embassy.
The ceremony commenced with opening remarks from Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism Mr Ahmed AI Khateeb, and UNWTO's Secretary-General Mr Zurab Pololikashvili.
The World Tourism Federation's Executive Director Ms Natalia Bayona presented the Global Tourism Investment Framework. Subsequent discussions encompassed various aspects of the tourism industry, including its role as a bridge between stakeholders, the growing interest of young tourists in environmental protection, sustainability initiatives, investment in tourism education and skills building, and investing in destinations.
Representatives from 120 countries, along with over 500 hoteliers and tourism professionals from countries such as Uzbekistan and Tanzania, attended the forum.
Union Minister Dr Thet Thet Khine will continue her participation in the Tourism Leaders' Forum and hold bilateral meetings with Myanmar's counterparts.
This event aimed to revitalize global tourism, which had been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, aligning with Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). — MNA/TS
