KUWAIT CITY, Oct 30: Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi on Thursday emphasized that integrating tourism across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is key to maximizing shared resources, achieving sustainable growth, and diversifying income sources.

Speaking during a video conference meeting of GCC tourism ministers, Al-Mutairi said the gathering "reflects the great importance our wise leadership places on the tourism sector as a cornerstone of economic and social development and as a bridge to deepen cultural and human communication between the peoples of the region and the world."

He conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and praised the meeting’s role in strengthening Gulf cooperation in tourism.

Al-Mutairi thanked the United Arab Emirates for initiating the joint meeting ahead of the 26th session of the UNWTO General Assembly, aimed at unifying positions and enhancing the Gulf's presence on the global tourism stage. He also voiced Kuwait’s full support for Sheikha Al Nuwais’ candidacy for UNWTO Secretary-General for 2026-2029, calling it a reflection of Gulf talent and a boost to the region’s global tourism influence.

The minister lauded Saudi Arabia for hosting the upcoming UNWTO assembly under the theme “Tourism Powered by Artificial Intelligence: Redefining the Future,” describing it as a historic milestone in Gulf tourism diplomacy. He expressed support for the ambitious Riyadh Declaration on tourism, which emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and AI applications, aiming to build a competitive, integrated Gulf tourism sector.

Al-Mutairi also praised Bahrain for hosting the Gulf Gateway Forum, a key platform for dialogue and economic, investment, and tourism cooperation among GCC states, and highlighted GCC participation in Expo Osaka 2025 as a showcase of Gulf creativity and shared cultural and developmental achievements. He extended best wishes to Saudi Arabia for Expo Riyadh 2030, underlining the kingdom’s leadership and global confidence in its capacity to host major international events.

The meeting covered strategies for advancing tourism in GCC countries, strengthening cooperation, and coordinating support in international forums, underscoring tourism’s role as a vital pillar of economic growth and regional integration.