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| Taleb Rifai |
Taleb Rifai, United Nations World Tourism Organisation
(UNWTO) Secretary-General, has announced that the UAE has applied to join the UNWTO.
“The UAE is currently the only country within the region
that is not a member of UNWTO. The government has been talking to us about
becoming a full member following the establishment of the National Council for
Tourism and Antiquities,” he said.
“We have almost concluded an agreement, and I have received
news that the cabinet has held discussions, and it is - in principal -
approved. We are awaiting official notification and would be delighted to
welcome the UAE as a member,” he added.
Commenting on this year’s Arabian Travel Market, Rifai
remarked: “ATM has grown to be a very important and significant gathering that
continues to gain strength. This is a dynamic region and tourism is a pillar of
the economy; and there are some great examples of how economic diversification
policies have paid dividends.
“As well as being an important destination for inbound
tourism, it is also a tremendously valuable source market for outbound
travellers from the region, who are sought after by many international destinations.”
“As the post-Arab Spring movement takes wings there will
only be increasing interest and focus on this part of the world. Events at the
end of last year and beginning of this year are showing that even in the middle
of these challenging times, destinations close to the hub that is the UAE are
doing very well under these circumstances,” he added.
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