16 October 2017
H.E Participates in the Global Tourism Economy Forum 2017, China
As part of its strategy to promote Bahrain’s presence in international meetings and forums, H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammad Al-Khalifa, President of Bahrain’s Authority for Culture & Antiquities, has participated in the annual renowned international event for the tourism industry, Global Tourism Economy Forum(GTEF2017), held in the city of Macau, China on 16 & 17 October 2017.
Shaikha Mai’s participation in the form was in response to the invitation of World Tourism Organization (WTO)’s current secretary-general Dr. Taleb Rifa whose term in office is nearing its end.
Speaking for the occasion, H.E Shaikh Mai said quoting UNWTO’s SC “ The aphorism "tourism is the inexhaustible oil" reflects the philosophy of Dr. Rifai who aptly expressed the importance of sustainable tourism as the pillar for development and growth.” H.E added saying “ Dr. Rifai has always been keen to support and develop societies around the world through investing in cultural assets for a sustainable tourism industry. He believed in us and was honored by being nominated as Special Ambassador for the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. We would like to express our greatest gratitude and thanks to the trust he put in us, which reflects his conviction that culture and sustainable tourism are but two sides of the same coin, in other words, the two are intimately linked. Our national museums, heritage sites and cultural projects are major challenges to develop a strong infrastructure for a sustainable tourism”. H.E ended her speech by wishing Dr. Rifai every success in his future endevors.
Indeed, the Global Tourism Economy Forum (“GTEF” or “the Forum”) unveiled its sixth edition in Macao from 16 to 17 October under the theme of “Regional Collaboration towards a Better Future”. Championing China’s visionary Belt and Road Initiative, GTEF 2017 explores how tourism collaboration characterized by shared interests and mutual respect is conducive to building a better future among nations and regions, with the aspiration to create opportunities and synergies.
Since its inception in 2012, GTEF had thus far hosted more than 7,000 participants from 63 countries and regions, including 54 delegations from different provinces and autonomous regions of Mainland China, and invited more than 300 distinguished speakers ranging from ministerial officials, internationally-renowned private-sector leaders, scholars and experts to share their insightful opinions. The wide and strong lineup had demonstrated the epitomic and international level of the Forum.
