UNWTO praises measures for tourism development

United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) secretary-general Taleb Rifai has praised the recent measures taken by Qatar to develop a sustainable tourism sector capable of attracting visitors from around the world.
The comment came during a meeting of the UNWTO secretary-general with Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) chief tourism development officer Hassan al-Ibrahim on the sidelines of UNWTO’s 22nd session being held in Chengdu, China.
QTA officials briefed Rifai on the latest developments in Qatar’s tourism sector, as well as on the progress of the preparations to host the official celebrations of World Tourism Day (WTD) in Doha on September 27.
Rifai congratulated QTA on receiving approved destination status (ADS) from the China National Tourism Administration. Qatar was granted ADS earlier this week, allowing it to receive tourists from China and to promote Qatar as a tourism destination within China.
He commented, “This significant milestone will surely pave the way for building new tourism developments between China and Qatar. The announcement comes at a time when Qatar has taken commendable steps towards developing a sustainable tourism sector that is capable of attracting visitors from all over the world.”
He added, “I have full confidence that the next chapter of the Qatar National Tourism Strategy 2030 will continue.”
The WTD official celebrations will be held in Doha on September 27 under the theme of ‘Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development’, and is set to attract a number of high-level officials from the international tourism sector. It will also witness the launch of the Next Chapter of the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy.
For his part, al-Ibrahim said, “On behalf of Qatar’s government, I would like to extend my thanks to Rifai for the support he has shown Qatar during his tenure as secretary-general. Our fruitful relationship with the UNWTO spans a multitude of significant areas as we continue to develop Qatar’s tourism sector.”
He added, “Plans are well underway to host WTD in Doha later this month. The event bears double significance for Qatar, as its theme of sustainability resonates strongly with our plans for the sector over the next five years, which is set to be unveiled during the opening session of the WTD celebrations.”