HM King conferred Arab Tourism Excellent Class Medal

Manama, Feb. 25 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa today received at Al-Sakhir Palace Arab Tourism Organisation (ATO) President Dr. Bandar bin Fahad Al-Fehaid, member of the High Arab Joint Action Committee. Dr. Al Fehaid was accompanied by a number of officials from the Arab Tourism Organisation (ATO), an affiliate of the Arab League. He conferred on HM the King the Arab Tourism Medal - Excellent Class, the highest distinction bestowed to kings, princes and presidents, in recognition of HM the King’s support to the Arab Tourism Organisation. Dr. Al Fehaid stressed the decision of the ATO Executive Council to confer the distinction on HM the King, in acknowledgment of his support to the sector of tourism in Bahrain, the designation of Manama as Capital of Arab Tourism 2013 and support to the ATO goals and plans, since its inception, in cooperation with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA). HM the King welcomed the ATO President and accompanying delegation and thanked them on the medal, which represents a distinction to Bahrain and a recognition of its sustained efforts to develop the tourism sector, a vital cornerstone of the national economy. HM the King underlined Bahrain’s civilizational, heritage and tourism potential, which turned the Kingdom into an outstanding destination on the world tourism map. He commended the solid cooperation between the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA). HM the King said that important tourism projects would be carried out in Bahrain in cooperation with the pan-Arab organization, hailing the tourism potential in the Arab World. He commended the ATO achievements and role in developing the tourism sector in the Arab World, wishing the ATO President and officials success in their efforts to develop the Arab tourism. Dr. Al Fehaid expressed thanks to HM the King, hailing royal keenness on enhancing cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the pan-Arab organization. He commended Bahrain’s development strides, in the prosperous era, hailing the developed infrastructure and high-quality services which are provided to tourists and investors in the sector of tourism.