Arab Ministers Discuss Ways To Enhance Cultural Tourism

Arab ministers from across the region recently gathered in Tunis to discuss strategies for enhancing cultural tourism, marking a pivotal moment in the Arab world’s efforts to diversify their economies and promote sustainable tourism. The meeting, held under the auspices of the Arab League, was aimed at exploring how tourism can be integrated with culture and heritage to create economic opportunities, especially for countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which are looking to diversify away from oil dependency.

Representing Saudi Arabia, Rustom Al-Kubaisi, Deputy Chairman for Antiquities and Museums at the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), and Hattan Al-Banjabi, Adviser to the Saudi Minister of Culture, participated in the second joint meeting of Arab ministers of tourism and culture. Al-Kubaisi delivered a message of optimism from SCTH Chairman Ahmad Al-Khatib, expressing hope that the collaborative efforts of the meeting would lead to tangible results in advancing cultural tourism.

During the meeting, Al-Kubaisi emphasized the importance of integrating culture and tourism to foster sustainable growth in the Arab world. “The topics we discussed are crucial for the integration of tourism and culture,” he said. “These initiatives aim to enrich and advance sustainable tourism across Arab countries. We have all embarked on serious work that requires continued attention, whether in the fields of tourism, culture, or heritage—both tangible and intangible.”

Al-Kubaisi highlighted the transformative role of technology in cultural tourism, suggesting that digital platforms offer a unique opportunity for Arab countries to collaborate and enhance their cultural tourism offerings. He also emphasized the need for improved coordination among Arab nations to meet the shared aspirations of their leaders and citizens, as well as to elevate the region’s cultural tourism sector to global standards.

Key Topics Discussed

The meeting covered several key areas related to cultural tourism, focusing on both preservation and modernization. The ministers reviewed a report from the Secretariat General of the Arab League, which outlined recommendations for integrating tourism with cultural heritage across the region. Among the topics discussed were:

1. Digitization of Cultural Tourism: Ministers explored how digital tools and platforms can be leveraged to promote cultural tourism, making it more accessible and appealing to younger generations and international tourists.
2. Support for Startups: Recognizing the growing role of innovation in the tourism sector, the ministers discussed ways to support startups working in cultural tourism, which could help drive economic growth and create jobs.
3. Preservation of Historical Sites: A key focus of the meeting was the preservation of historical and archaeological sites. Ministers stressed the importance of protecting these sites from both natural and human-made threats, ensuring that they remain a draw for tourists for generations to come.
4. Museum Collaboration: The ministers also discussed ways to foster greater cooperation between museums across the Arab world. This includes sharing expertise, promoting joint exhibitions, and using technology to create virtual museum experiences that can reach a wider audience.

A Collaborative Approach to Growth

One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the emphasis on regional collaboration. Al-Kubaisi underscored the importance of unified efforts among Arab countries to maximize the potential of cultural tourism. By working together, Arab nations can better preserve their rich cultural heritage while promoting it to a global audience, attracting tourists from around the world.

The meeting’s timing was also symbolic, as it coincided with Tunis being named the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2019. This designation underscores Tunisia’s rich cultural heritage and the important role it plays in the broader Islamic world. The ministers expressed hope that this collaborative meeting would lead to further initiatives that will promote the cultural assets of the Arab world, making the region a premier destination for cultural tourism.

Future Prospects

As part of the broader discussion, the ministers expressed optimism about the future of cultural tourism in the Arab world. With the growing global interest in heritage tourism and the unique cultural assets the region has to offer, there is significant potential for growth. By embracing technology, supporting local entrepreneurs, and fostering regional cooperation, Arab nations are poised to turn cultural tourism into a major economic driver.

The meeting in Tunis signals a new era of cooperation and innovation in the Arab world’s approach to tourism. As nations look to diversify their economies and promote sustainable growth, cultural tourism stands out as a promising sector that can bring both economic benefits and cultural enrichment. Through these collaborative efforts, the Arab world is positioning itself to become a global leader in cultural tourism, preserving its heritage while opening up new opportunities for future generations.