Bahrain to host UNWTO executive council meeting

Bahrain is set to host the 109th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Executive Council from 30 October to 1 November at Art Rotana Hotel in Amwaj. The Executive Council will be discussing several topics related to the development of the global tourism sector including the Secretary- General’s report and general programme of work, the UNWTO’s financial report for the period ended 30 June 2018 and the Organization’s budget.

The council will also discuss the Organisation’s focus and plans to drive innovation and transformation in the tourism industry by 2030, identifying key priorities for the development of the world tourism over the next two years. In addition, the session will review the progress on the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) recommendations, and the associate members will elect the Executive Vice President of the Executive Board for 2019.

“The UNWTO will focus on five pillars in the coming period including innovation, digital transformation, investments and entrepreneurship, education and employment, safe, secure and seamless travel in addition to social, cultural and environmental sustainability. This will lead to the creation of new job and business opportunities, an increase of investments in tourism, and enhanced competitiveness and sustainability within the sector,” said the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani. Bahrain, represented by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), was selected as a member of the UNWTO Executive Council for the period 2018-2021.