The President of the Arab Tourism Organization (ATO), Dr. Bandar bin Fahd Al-Fuhaid, has met with the French Consul General in Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Nehad, to discuss strategic collaborations aimed at enhancing the tourism sector.
The meeting, last Saturday, culminated in an agreement to jointly develop quality programmes for tourism facilities and establish a biennial investment conference between Arab and French stakeholders.
Dr. Al-Fuhaid emphasised the ATO’s mission to foster international cooperation with leading countries in the tourism industry. He noted that the agreement with France encompasses various areas, including training and qualification, investments, quality programmes, and the exchange of experiences in tourism security.
Headquartered in Jeddah, the ATO operates within the framework of the Arab Ministerial Council on Tourism of the Arab League States. Established in 1954 in Cairo as the Arab International Tourist Union, the organisation was renamed the Arab Tourism Union in 1969. Its primary aim is to promote tourism across the Arab region by coordinating efforts to develop a unified Arab tourist policy, providing comprehensive services, and assisting member states in acquiring professional expertise. The ATO also focuses on removing obstacles to the expansion of tourism, ensuring the sector’s growth and its contribution to the gross domestic product of Arab countries.
Earlier this year, the ATO and International Strategic Management (ISM), an advisory and consulting services provider based in Michigan, U.S., signed a strategic agreement to foster growth and innovation within the travel and hospitality sectors across Middle Eastern countries. This partnership underscores ATO’s commitment to progress in the Arab tourism industry, leveraging ISM’s expertise and resources to achieve substantial advancements.
A key aspect of this collaboration is the alignment with the Arab League’s Sustainable Development Plan 2030. The partnership highlights the significance of sustainable development in shaping the future of tourism in the Arab world.
According to the ATO, the global travel and tourism sector’s contribution to GDP is projected to reach 15%, a notable increase from the pre-2019 figures of 10%. Revenue projections indicate an annual growth rate of 3.4% until 2027, surpassing US$1 trillion. Furthermore, the sector is expected to create over 430 million job opportunities globally by 2030, indicating significant expansion potential.
These developments are a testament to the ATO’s dedication to advancing the tourism industry through strategic international partnerships and sustainable practices, positioning the Arab region as a leading global tourism destination.
