Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism, chaired a remote extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministers of Tourism to address the impact of Iranian attacks on the sector. The meeting is held under the Kingdom of Bahrain’s presidency of the Council's 46th session.
Minister Al Sairafi emphasised that the meeting reflects the deep-rooted ties and ongoing coordination between GCC states. She noted that the gathering embodies a joint Gulf approach to addressing current developments following the blatant Iranian attacks on the security and stability of member nations.
She highlighted the importance of continuing to enhance coordination and integration between the GCC countries at the level of the tourism sector, which contributes to consolidating tourism sectors capable of facing various challenges and changes, as they are one of the vital sectors supporting national economies and one of the important paths for achieving economic diversification.
Minister Al Sairafi explained that the tourism sector in the GCC countries possesses the components and capabilities that enhance its ability to deal with various variables, based on advanced infrastructure, cumulative experiences, and successful practices in managing challenges, through enhancing coordination and integration, activating cooperative agreements, and building on the diverse tourism assets possessed by the Council countries.
Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC, emphasised that experience has proven that the GCC countries can overcome all crises and challenges with efficiency and competence, based on the close interconnection and effective integration they share in all domains. He noted that this approach has contributed to enhancing their ability to contain challenges, maintain the stability of the Council countries, and ensure the continuity of all vital sectors with efficiency and competence, reflecting the strength and effectiveness of joint Gulf action in various circumstances.
The meeting reviewed topics including the impact of current developments on tourism movement in the GCC countries, examining available opportunities to enhance the flexibility and sustainability of the sector, and discussing mechanisms for enhancing joint Gulf action in a way that supports continued growth in the tourism sector and consolidates the position of the GCC countries as attractive tourist destinations at both the regional and international levels.
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