On Saturday the leaders of the Arab world came together to discuss the impact of Covid-19 pandemic outbreak especially on the travel and tourism, and the exhibitions sector in the Arab countries and its ripple effect on related industries, employment rate and economy.

It was a joint webinar held in Madrid, Spain, organised by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Casa Árabe under the theme "the Economic impact of COVID-19 on the tourism sector in the Arab world".

Saif Mohammed Al-Midfa, the CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, represented as the voice for UAE’s exhibition sector and commended the Emirates’ efforts for its quick and timely response to the pandemic and making provisions on the side for the revival of travel and tourism industry along with the expos and conferences.

During the virtual meet, Al-Midfa highlighted the efforts undertaken by the UAE Government to counter Covid-19 repercussions and helping the sectors get back on the path of the economic recovery.

"Knowing its importance in restoring the economic flows and tourist activities in the country, the UAE has been keen to resume the activities and events of the exhibitions and business sector since last September," Al-Midfa said.

He added, "At Expo Centre, we organized and hosted a number of trade fairs that met with great satisfaction from the visitors and exhibitors with the stringent precautionary and preventive measures to maintain the health and safety of everyone."

The meeting was also attended by Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director the Middle East, UNWTO, Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, Ras al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, UAE, Pedro Martinez Avial, Director General, Casa Árabe, Khalid Al Zadjali, Director, Oman Convention Bureau, Oman, and Taiseer Al Mallah, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Saudi Convention and Exhibitions General Authority, KSA.

Adding to the regional perspective for the sector’s recovery, “Basmah Al-Mayman said: "Since the outbreak of Covid-19, the UNWTO has been taking measures to assist its members to respond effectively to its impact on their tourism sectors through initiatives such as the formation of a global crisis committee and the formulation of recommendations to mitigate the impacts on travel and tourism. The Organization has also been offering guidance to member states and the tourism private sector in the region on how to mitigate the negative economic impact of the pandemic and prepare for the recovery of the tourism sector."

UNWTO tried to help its regional partners in Middle East by introducing three pillar approach for revival of the tourism sector - the economic recovery, the marketing and promotion, and the strengthening of corporate roles. It highlighted the need for long-term and short-term strategy along with strict adherence to precautionary measures to ensure the safety of societies from the pandemics.

WAM