WTA Secretariat Meets with Deputy Minister of Tourism and CEO of Tourism Authority of Saudi Arabia in Beijing

On March 20^th, Mr. Liu Shijun, the Vice Chair and Secretary-General of the World Tourism Alliance (WTA) attended a meeting with Mr. Fahd M. Hamidaddin, the Deputy Minister of Tourism and CEO of the Tourism Authority of Saudi Arabia in Beijing at the latter’s invitation. The two exchanged views on future plans of cooperation through the platforms and initiatives of WTA.

Fahd thanked Liu for the admission of the Saudi Tourism Authority to the WTA membership. He said Saudi Arabia, a late starter and up-and-comer in the world tourism industry, is among the first major destinations that have achieved exponential recovery with its investment in tourism ranking among the world’s top. Today, the China-Saudi relationship, especially in the fields of cultural and tourism cooperation, is enjoying great momentum. Saudi Arabia seeks to develop a close and concrete partnership with WTA. Seeing itself as a committed and active supporter, the Saudi Tourism Authority wishes to be involved in the work plan of WTA and explore opportunities for cooperation with the latter.

Liu extended his welcome on behalf of WTA. He spoke highly of Saudi Arabia’s splendid heritage, offered his suggestions about focusing on the building of a clear and distinct destination image in tourism development and promotion, and wished the latter’s negotiation with China regarding the ADS agreement should make timely progress. Liu went ahead and introduced the achievements of WTA in brand building, membership development, poverty alleviation through tourism, and international exchange & cooperation over the past five years. He enthusiastically invited Saudi Arabia to develop networks for friendship and cooperation with the tourism trade in China and beyond by joining hands with WTA.

Mr. Zhao Ke, Director of the WTA Liaison Office in Beijing, and, President of Saudi Tourism Authority- Asia and the Pacific were present among others at the meeting.