H.E. Al Sairafi leads delegation to Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism meetings

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain is committed to supporting joint Arab initiatives aimed at improving tourism services and encouraging innovation in the sector, the Minister of Tourism, Her Excellency Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, said.

She underlined the Kingdom’s regional role as she led Bahrain’s delegation to the 28th session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism and the 36th meeting of its Executive Office, held in Baghdad from December 8 to 10.

“The meetings provide an important platform for strengthening cooperation among Arab states and supporting the development of the tourism sector as a contributor to economic growth,” H.E. Al Sairafi added, stressing that coordinated action will drive investment, sustainability and product diversification across the region.

Sessions

The sessions were organised by the Arab League’s Economic Affairs Sector – Transport and Tourism Department and drew high-level participation, including the attendance of Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq.

Delegates reviewed a wide-ranging agenda aimed at bolstering the Arab tourism sector’s competitiveness.

Key topics included tourism innovation and smart-tourism solutions, product diversification and medical tourism, digital transformation, inclusivity in modern destinations, and the regional response to climate change.

Reports

Officials also discussed progress reports from the Arab Tourism Observatory and the Arab Tourism Innovation Observatory, and considered the selection of the Arab Tourism Capital for 2026.

H.E. Al Sairafi said Bahrain’s presence in Baghdad reflects the outcomes of the 33rd Arab Summit, which Bahrain hosted in 2024 and which emphasised coordinated Arab efforts to promote sustainable destinations and support tourism investment.

The Minister reiterated that Bahrain will continue to align regional decisions with the Kingdom’s Tourism Strategy 2022–2026 and the broader Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.

Progress

During the meetings Bahrain’s delegation outlined concrete progress on initiatives previously adopted at the regional level, notably the establishment of a smart tourism facility and measures to diversify tourism products under the Arab Tourism Strategy.

The delegation emphasised ongoing efforts to grow the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) sector, strengthen destination management, and enhance cultural and entertainment offerings to attract a broader visitor base.

Officials also highlighted Bahrain’s push to boost private and public investment in tourism infrastructure so the sector can contribute more substantially to the national economy.