He stressed the crucial contribution of the vital sector in bolstering the national economy and promoting the Kingdom’s status as a prized cultural tourism destination.
HM King Hamad was speaking as he received at Al-Safriya Palace UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) secretary-general Dr. Taleb Al-Refai.
Regional Director for the Middle East Omar Abdulghaffar and UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Peter Grohmann also attended.
HM King Hamad welcomed Dr. Al-Refai and the accompanying delegation, paying tribute to prominent Arabs who are holding key international positions thanks to their acknowledged competence.
He underscored Bahrain’s cultural and tourism assets and efforts to promote deep-rooted heritage, citing in this regard natural pearls, pure-bred Arabian horses, palm-trees and handicrafts.
He also pointed out Bahrainis’ culture, hospitality, millennia-old civilization and drives to reach out to other peoples, having the advantage of their country’s geographic location.
Dr. Al-Refai paid tribute to HM King Hamad, hailing Bahrain’s assets as a tourism destination.
He also expressed readiness to promote the tourism industry in Bahrain, lauding cooperation with the Ministry of Culture.