BACA president stresses robust cultural, tourism infrastructure

Manama, Jan. 27 (BNA): President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, has lauded the naming of Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) as a Special Ambassador in recognition of his special contributions to the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. Shaikha Mai highlighted the importance of the exploit, stressing that despite the serious challenges facing the Arab World, an Arab personality has been named to such an international humanitarian role, which, she said, proves the ability of Arabs to attain achievements at the local, regional and global levels. BACA president stressed the importance of focusing on building a solid cultural and tourism infrastructure through which sustainable development will take place and therefore entitle Arab countries to regain their status as centres of tourism and cultural attraction. The UN 70th General Assembly designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development to bring about a change in policies, business practices and consumer behaviour towards a more sustainable tourism sector that can contribute to the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).