The exhibitions industry plays a major role in accelerating the recovery of the tourism sector and as a catalyst for the entire economy post-Covid-19, The Expo Centre Sharjah CEO has said.

 

Participating in a webinar co-organised by the International Congress & Convention Association - Middle East Chapter and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Saif Mohammed Al-Midfa said: “As a global tourist destination in the Middle East, the UAE has ranked first in the region and 33rd globally in the travel and tourism competitiveness, while the tourism sector share represents 11.9% of the GDP of the UAE.”

 

He commended the UAE’s efficiency and capability in dealing with Covid-19, as well as the decisions made by the government to resume the activities of the exhibition sector, given its importance for the rapid return of the economic flow and tourism in the country.

 

The webinar was aimed at strengthening the international cooperation in the tourism sector and the constant coordination with the relevant exhibitions and conferences authorities to underline the role of this sector in tourism recovery and to provide a catalyst for the growth of the global economy post-Covid-19.

 

Present at the meeting were Basmah Al Mayman, Regional Director of the Middle East, UNWTO; Khalid Al Zadjali, ICCA ME Chapter Chair and Director of Oman Convention Bureau; Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority; Taiseer Al Mallah, Acting CEO, Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority; and Anju Gomes, Director Middle East, ICCA.

Owing to the significant role of exhibitions in highlighting tourist and recreational sights, the meeting highlighted the importance of correlating tourism recovery with the recommencement of exhibitions and conferences that help bring investors and businessmen together and have a vital role in the recovery of aviation and hospitality sectors.

 

Al-Midfa emphasised the impactful role of the exhibitions and conferences sector in the economic life of countries and in the national income, as well as their contribution to achieving the sustainable economic development. He underlined the need to take further steps by all countries to come up with meaningful initiatives that will help restore the role of this vital industry in enhancing other economic sectors.

 

The Expo Centre Sharjah has resumed hosting of exhibitions and recent expos have witnessed high turnouts. – TradeArabia News Service