Minister of Tourism calls for strengthening intra-Arab tourism and developing joint tourism programs
Amman2 min read
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Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Makram Al-Qaisi called on Friday for strengthening Arab tourism cooperation and activating joint programs between Arab countries.
During his speech at the Arab Media Dialogue Forum, within a closed discussion session that addressed the role of media in supporting the Arab tourism system, Al-Qaisi pointed out that intra-regional tourism is still below the hoped-for level, despite the region's historical and cultural assets and potential for tourism integration.
He stated that he is dissatisfied with the reality of intra-Arab tourism, noting that its volume is about 40%, according to what was presented during the session.
He added that the efforts made to attract tourists from distant markets are good, but they need more work to enhance tourism between Arab countries.
He pointed out that Arab countries possess a common heritage and a great cultural accumulation, in addition to a broad population base and relative ease of access and movement between their countries, which provides opportunities to develop joint tourism products and benefit from the diversity of destinations in the region.
Al-Qaisi emphasized that tourism represents one of the important tools for development, explaining that the Arab cultural and civilizational heritage provides wide opportunities to develop tourism products capable of attracting visitors and enhancing integration between Arab countries.
He pointed to the lack of a joint and integrated Arab tourism program targeting the Arab tourist, calling for activating efforts aimed at developing intra-regional tourism and enhancing cooperation between the parties concerned with the sector.
He said that stimulating intra-regional tourism could contribute to reducing the effects of seasonality that the tourism sector in the region suffers from, and help make tourism activity more sustainable throughout the year.
Al-Qaisi stressed the importance of activating joint tourism programs and enhancing the role of tourism associations in stimulating tourism movement between Arab countries, and benefiting from the available capabilities to expand cooperation in this field.
