Sheikha Al Nowais boosts tourism ties with Cyprus, Greece

The meetings occurred during her participation in the inaugural "Investopia Med" forum in Cyprus, which attracted a diverse international audience, including leaders, ministers, entrepreneurs, investors, and economic experts from the UAE, Lebanon, Cyprus, Greece, and Europe. These engagements are part of Sheikha Al Nowais's initiative to consult with global partners on tourism priorities in preparation for her upcoming tenure as UNWTO Secretary-General.

Emphasising tourism's role in sustainable economic growth

Sheikha Al Nowais highlighted tourism's critical role in fostering sustainable economic development. She emphasised its contributions to job creation, support for local businesses, and the enhancement of cultural connections. She underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to develop new initiatives and projects across various tourism sectors.

Additionally, she advocated for expanding international cooperation to promote sustainable tourism development at both regional and global levels. She expressed her commitment to building upon the organization's achievements, particularly in areas such as strengthening tourism data systems, integrating tourism with related sectors like entertainment, sports, hospitality, cultural arts, and urban tourism, incorporating artificial intelligence into tourism policies, attracting foreign direct investment, and developing human resources through training and academic programs.

Bilateral discussions with Cypriot ministers

During her visit, Sheikha Al Nowais engaged in three key meetings with Cypriot ministers: Dr. Constantinos Koumpos, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Giorgos Papanastasiou, Minister of Energy, Trade, and Industry; and Costas Koumis, Minister of State for Tourism. She presented her strategic vision focusing on preserving communities' tourism and cultural identities, creating job opportunities for youth, promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing the tourism sector's adaptability to future global challenges. The discussions also explored opportunities for collaboration in the wellness tourism sector, which offers integrated experiences aimed at improving health and well-being through activities like spas, healthy nutrition, yoga, and other practices supporting a healthy lifestyle.

Meeting with Greek minister of tourism

Sheikha Al Nowais also met with Her Excellency Olga Kefalogianni, the Greek Minister of Tourism, to discuss the exchange of expertise and best practices in developing sustainable tourism destinations. They explored international partnerships that contribute to the recovery of the global tourism sector following recent challenges. Sheikha Al Nowais shared her vision for continuing the positive development led by the UNWTO, strengthening communication channels with partner governments, supporting growth opportunities for the private sector and entrepreneurs, and promoting sustainable tourism and innovation globally.

The meeting also reviewed strategies aimed at developing the Greek tourism sector, focusing on sustainability, specialised tourism products, and improving infrastructure to boost tourist flow to Greek destinations.