#RegionalCollaboration

[phonemantra-blog]

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, currently underway at the Dubai World Trade Centre, has become a platform for discussing the future of tourism within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Policymakers from across the GCC convened to address key issues like inter-regional collaboration, streamlined travel experiences, and infrastructure development, aiming to further elevate the industry's thriving presence. Booming Tourism Industry Tourism's Growing Contribution to the UAE Economy H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy, opened ATM 2024's Global Stage by highlighting the tourism sector's significant contribution to the nation's economy. Citing data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), he revealed that tourism accounted for an impressive 11.7% of the UAE's GDP in 2023, amounting to AED 220 billion. Looking ahead, projections for 2024 are even more promising, with the sector expected to contribute 12% to the GDP, translating to AED 236 billion. Panel Discussion Explores Collaboration and Competition Following the opening address, a high-level panel discussion took place. Moderated by Dubai Eye presenter Richard Dean, the discussion featured prominent figures: H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority H.E. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority H.E. Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman H.E. Sarah Buhijji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority The insightful conversation explored the delicate balance between collaboration and competition within the GCC tourism sector. Panelists emphasized the importance of inter-regional initiatives in propelling the industry forward. The GCC Unified Tourist Visa: A Key Driver The proposed GCC Unified Tourist Visa emerged as a central theme, hailed as a major facilitator for tourism in the region. Panelists believe this unified visa will allow member nations to present the GCC as a single, connected destination. This streamlined approach is expected to boost accessibility for international travelers, potentially leading to increased length of stay, higher average spending, and more job creation within the tourism sector. Sustainability, Infrastructure, and Culture: Pillars of Growth Beyond the unified visa, the discussion delved into other crucial aspects for sustainable tourism growth. Panelists emphasized the importance of prioritizing sustainability throughout the travel experience, ensuring the industry positively impacts local businesses, communities, and ecosystems. Investing in robust infrastructure was also highlighted as crucial. Ongoing and future developments in airports, cruise terminals, and most notably, the upcoming GCC Railway, are expected to significantly enhance accessibility within and between member countries, facilitating seamless travel experiences for both domestic and international visitors. ATM 2024: A Platform for Innovation and Insights Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME for Arabian Travel Market, expressed her appreciation for the valuable insights shared by the ministerial participants. She highlighted the importance of collaboration in strengthening the GCC's tourism offering, allowing the region to compete effectively on the global stage. ATM 2024 serves as a launchpad for a week of insightful sessions across the Global and Future Stages. The Global Stage kicked off with a session outlining Dubai's key tourism objectives in the coming years, while the Future Stage ignited discussions on innovation in areas like branding and island tourism.

[newsbites]

News from Belize, 21 July

The Santa Rita Cemetery in Cayo District is at full capacity, with only reserved or pre-paid plots available for burials.

The municipality is seeking to purchase a 10-acre piece of land for a second cemetery, but they need to raise $50,000 as a down payment.

2. Despite reaching out to the government for assistance, the municipality has not received any support thus far.

A fire in Dangriga has left a man homeless after his home was completely destroyed.

The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation.

Andre Garcia, the victim, is in need of assistance and can be reached at 602-4856.

3. The Fire Department has initiated a probe into the explosion that occurred in Neuland Community, Corozal District on Tuesday night, resulting in the tragic loss of an infant and a toddler.

4. There was a fire in the Shipyard Community, Orange Walk District on Monday. The Belize National Fire Service initiated an investigation into the matter and discovered that it was caused by a malfunction in the equipment used on a tanker truck transporting crude oil.

5. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is intensifying its efforts to combat cyber-criminals in the region by collaborating with member states. Today, the Ministry of Home Affairs, in conjunction with CARICOM's Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), organized a meeting for the "Cyber-in-country Sensitization and Training 2023" project, funded by the European Union. The project aims to enhance capacity building in cybercrime prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution. The training will assist law enforcement agencies, the banking sector, and the judicial sector in addressing financial crime, cybercrime, and asset recovery.

6. Belize Agricultural Health Authority is remaining vigilant amid a New World Screwworm outbreak in Central America.

Of note is that there has only been one case of the New World Screwworm outbreak in Costa Rica, where a dog was illegally imported from Panama.

7. In response to an increase in human activity in the Cooma Cairn area of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in the western Cayo District, Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) inaugurated a new ranger outpost on Monday.

Over the past 14 months, FCD has dispatched rangers to support the Forest Department in monitoring activities, including forest fire incidents and bark beetle infestations. They are also monitoring the condition of the Upper Macal Watershed through public participation and research, as well as human activity in the reserve, which is the gateway to the Chiquibul National Park and has experienced increased human presence due to the upgrade of the Caracol Road in the area.

Thanks to the endorsement from the Forest Department, which allows FCD to use the building, and the financing from Bull Run Overseas Limited for the refurbishment costs, the refurbished Ranger Outpost is now operational. This building was previously occupied by the British Army Training and Support Unit Belize (BATSUB) and will now serve as the central hub for FCD's monitoring program in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.