Information Minister leads a Tourism Promotion Council meeting, making several key decisions.

Aden Hosts Key Meeting to Boost Tourism

On Tuesday, in Yemen’s temporary capital, Aden, the Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Muammar Al-Eryani, chaired a pivotal meeting of the Tourism Promotion Council. The gathering aimed to explore effective strategies to activate the council’s functions, achieve its objectives, and rejuvenate Yemen’s tourism sector.

Government Commitment to Tourism

At the outset, Al-Eryani conveyed greetings from Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, the President of the Presidential Leadership Council, his colleagues, and the Prime Minister, along with their directives to intensify focus on the tourism industry. Al-Eryani presented a detailed report on the council’s performance, including domestic and international activities, while highlighting the challenges posed by the exceptional circumstances due to the Houthi militia’s coup. These challenges include the cessation of foreign airline operations and a decline in flights to and from Yemen.

Yemen’s Rich Tourism Potential

Al-Eryani emphasized Yemen’s rich and diverse tourism potential, positioning it as a world-class tourist destination. He pointed out the sector’s capability to bolster the national economy, promote development, create jobs, and enhance the state’s foreign currency reserves.

Saudi Support and Future Initiatives

The minister appreciated the generous support from Saudi Arabia, represented by the Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khatib, for clearing Yemen’s accumulated dues since 2014 with the United Nations World Tourism Organization, thereby restoring Yemen’s membership. He also mentioned ongoing negotiations with the Arab Tourism Organization to meet outstanding commitments.

Challenges and Proposals for Improvement

Al-Eryani discussed obstacles and challenges facing the ministry and council, proposing several measures to improve tourism activities, including the classification of hotels and institutional building. The meeting also highlighted the efforts of Yemen Airways’ CEO, Captain Naser Mahmoud, in overcoming operational difficulties under challenging conditions.

Strategic Decisions for Tourism Promotion

Key decisions from the meeting included prioritizing the promotion of Socotra Governorate for international tourism, due to its location outside the conflict zones, and initiating direct international flights by Yemen Airways within a year. The council also resolved to facilitate special direct flights to Socotra to accommodate tourists affected by limited international flight options and to promote other provinces’ tourist attractions.

Leadership and Participation Enhancements

Hamdi Al-Haribi was appointed as the Deputy Head of the Tourism Promotion Council, representing the private sector. The council plans to participate in several domestic and international activities to promote Yemeni tourism further.

Emphasizing Revenue Development

The council stressed the importance of developing revenues, including obligating airlines to fulfill their financial commitments, under threat of legal action. It also approved the final account for 2023.

Acknowledging Efforts to Connect Yemen with the World

The meeting praised Yemen Airways for its role in overcoming significant challenges and successfully connecting Yemen to the global community. It also recognized the council’s efforts in launching the tourism season in Socotra last year and its participation in the annual tourism festival in Al Mukalla for two consecutive years, thanking local authorities in Socotra and Hadhramaut provinces for their support.

The meeting was attended by deputy ministers, the head of the Yemeni Tourism Federation, and other officials, highlighting a collective commitment to revitalizing Yemen’s tourism sector amidst ongoing challenges.

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