PR No.: 15019

“As stated by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, the recent systematic destruction of Iraq’s unique cultural heritage is intolerable and must come to an end immediately”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

“The world´s diverse cultural heritage tells mankind’s story; it tells our story. It gives a sense of pride and self-esteem to local communities, and motivates millions of people to travel and discover the world each year. As such, cultural artefacts are a source of understanding, tolerance and respect between peoples and nations. These inexcusable acts of terrorism are attacks on these values and the international community must stand united in condemning them”, he added.

Contacts:

UNWTO Senior Media Officer: Marcelo Risi
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60 

UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme
Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218 

PR No.: PR 14079

The government of the Sultanate of Oman recognizes tourism’s important contribution to job creation, heritage conservation and community development, as well as its ability to promote cross-cultural dialogue and understanding among both peoples and nations. This was emphasized by H.H. Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said when receiving the Open Letter on behalf of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, from UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

H.H. Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said expressed the direct support at the highest level of government of the tourism sector, acknowledging tourism’s positive social, cultural and investment impacts. This is of particular relevance considering the Omani Strategy Project for Tourism 2015-45, which includes domestic tourism as one of its fundamental pillars.

During the meeting, ways to further strengthen the cooperation with UNWTO were explored, particularly regarding capacity building for both individuals and organizations in the Omani tourism sector, as well as supporting Oman’s international tourism presence.

Underscoring the country’s rich heritage and archaeology as key tourism assets, UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, commended “Oman’s leadership and UNWTO’s determination to enhance its cooperation with the Sultanate, to further advance its promising tourism potential”.

David Scowsill, President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) said; “The short and long term future for Oman’s economy from Travel & Tourism looks really bright”.

International tourist arrivals in Oman reached 1.6 million in 2013, generating 1.2 US$ billion in exports. According to official figures, during the first half of 2014, tourist arrivals grew by 12%, compared to the same period of 2013. Travel & Tourism directly contributes 3% to Oman’s GDP, according to WTTC’s Oman Economic Impact Report 2014.  Its direct contribution is forecast to rise by 10.2% in 2014, the third highest increase of the 184 countries which WTTC produces data on.

On the occasion of his visit to Oman, Mr. Rifai also met with H.E. Ahmed bin Nasser Al Mahrizi, Minister of Tourism, H.H. Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Minister of Heritage and Culture, H.E. Abdullah Nasser bin Abdullah Al Bakri, Minister of Manpower, H.E. Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Planning, and Dr. Ali Qassim, Advisor of Research in Royal Court Affairs.

Note to Editors:

The UNWTO/WTTC Open Letter outlines Travel & Tourism’s value as one of the world’s largest generators of jobs, a powerful driver of socio-economic growth and development and a key player in the transformation to the Green Economy. To date, the Open Letter has been received by 69 heads of state and government.

Useful links:

UNWTO/WTTC Open Letter on Travel and Tourism

World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)

Contacts:

UNWTO

Senior Media Officer: Marcelo Risi

Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60 

WTTC

Head of Communications: Emma Coulthurst

Tel: (+44 ) 207481 6483 

PR No.: PR 14048

UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, congratulated Saudi Arabia for adopting legal mechanisms for the protection of its historical sites, contributing to ensure that tourism and culture continue to develop to the benefit of both. “Cultural tourism – the movement of travellers motivated by the mosaic of art forms, heritage sites, festivals, traditions, and pilgrimages – is growing at an unprecedented rate. These are positive news as the nexus between culture and tourism translates into important income generation for destinations but also for conservation, and such growth needs to be managed in a responsible and sustainable manner through adequate public policies and legislation”, he said.

The Saudi law on antiquities, museums and built heritage approval coincided with the recent inclusion of the Jeddah Historical Area in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, recognizing the old city’s cultural value and unique model with its distinguished urban heritage. Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah, was among the 26 new inscriptions decided at the 38^th session of the World Heritage Committee of the UN Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), held in Qatar (15-25 June 2014).

“UNESCO’s decision highlights the Kingdom’s historical position and its rich heritage and shows the depth of the Kingdom’s culture and interaction with human civilizations throughout the centuries,” said the President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), Prince Sultan bin Salman.

The important linkages between tourism and culture are fundamental for sustainable tourism development and will be at the heart of the upcoming international UNWTO/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism to be held in February 2015 in Cambodia, the first ever to bring together Ministers of Tourism and Ministers of Culture to debate new models of partnership. 

Useful links:

New inscriptions by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee

Contacts:

UNWTO Senior Media Officer: Marcelo Risi

Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60 

UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme

Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218