The Ministry of Culture is organizing the three-day event at the Bahrain National Amphitheatre in cooperation with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Ministers, (UNWTO) representatives, experts, economic figures, diplomats and tourism investors are attending the event, being held as part of Manama Capital of Arab Tourism 2013.
Shaikh Mohammed paid tribute to HM Majesty King for deputizing him to open the international conference, stressing the importance of such global events in promoting tourism and intercultural exchanges.
He emphasized the crucial role of the government in spearheading the development of the tourism sector, being a cornerstone to boost the Gross Domestic Product.
He also pointed out Bahrain’s efforts to promote the exhibition industry and encourage forums and conferences, stressing the instrumental importance of such events in promoting cultural tourism.
The deputy patron paid tribute to Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa and the ministry’s personnel for their efforts to promote the tourism sector.
Meanwhile, Shaikha Mai hailed HM the King for patronising the international conference, being held in Bahrain, stressing the growing importance of the tourism sector as a key pillar of the national economy.
She also paid tribute to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for contribution to the global conference.