MADRID, Feb 19: Kuwait has been unanimously elected to chair the Middle East Regional Committee of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for a renewable two-year term. Basma Al-Mayman, Director of the UNWTO’s Regional Department for the Middle East, praised this milestone achievement, calling it a significant step for Kuwait as it becomes a key decision-maker on the global tourism map.

In an interview with the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Mayman highlighted that this marks the first time in the UNWTO's history that Kuwait has been chosen to lead the committee. The decision was made during the 51st meeting of the Regional Committee, which took place in Doha, Qatar, last week.

Al-Mayman explained that Kuwait will play a central role in setting the tourism policies for the region in the coming period. These policies will then influence international recommendations that will be presented to the UNWTO’s Executive Council and General Assembly, ultimately impacting tourism strategies across the globe.

As a founding member of the UNWTO, Kuwait has earned the unanimous trust of the Middle Eastern countries, securing its position as chair of the committee. Al-Mayman noted that this development solidifies Kuwait’s growing influence in shaping the global tourism landscape.

She also emphasized Kuwait’s significant efforts to enhance and develop its tourism sector, which is seen as a promising industry that could complement the country’s oil sector. During her two visits to Kuwait, Al-Mayman was briefed on the country’s plans for tourism growth. She particularly praised the "exceptional organization" of the recent Gulf Cup Football Championship (Gulf 26), which raised the bar for hosting international events. The event's success contributed to a boom in the tourism sector, with hotel occupancy rates exceeding 99%, benefiting tourism facilities across the country.

At the 51st meeting in Doha, Kuwait’s Minister of Information and Culture, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, was appointed to lead the committee. In his address, Al-Mutairi emphasized the need for innovative plans and initiatives to enhance the region’s tourism systems and promote inter-tourism between member states.

Basma Al-Mayman also made history as the first Gulf official and the first Arab woman to hold an official position within the World Tourism Organization, further marking the region's growing leadership in global tourism affairs.