BTEA participates in UNWTO meeting

Manama, May 28 (BNA): The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) participated in the 108th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Executive Council which took place between the 23rd and 25th of May in San Sebastián, Spain. The Kingdom of Bahrain’s delegation was headed by the Director of Facilities and Tourism Services at BTEA, Mr. Hesham Al Saken and included Advisor at the BTEA, Mr. Jesus Florido-Banqueri. The session featured discussions on various topics related to the development of the global tourism sector, including UNWTO’s budget and its organizational structure. The session also reviewed the performance reports of various projects including tourism statistics and competitiveness and sustainability programs. The Executive Council discussed other topics on the agenda including the Organization’s financial reports for the year ended 31 December 2017 and the financial performance for 2018. The UNWTO’s upcoming projects were also presented which included the establishment of regional training academies for the Organization. “Our participation in the 108th session of the UNWTO Executive Council comes as a part of our commitment and role as active members of the UNWTO Commission for the Middle East. We aim to contribute significantly to the development of partnerships and cooperation among the council members to achieve the best solutions,” said the Director of Facilities and Tourism Services at BTEA, Mr. Hesham Al Saken. The UNWTO was established in 1925 and is based in the Spanish capital of Madrid. It is concerned with countries’ political affairs in terms of tourism and produces statistics on tourism demand and supply worldwide. Its membership includes 145 countries, comprises six regions, and 350 Affiliate Members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.