Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of tourism with his Saudi counterpart, Ahmed Al Khateeb, during his official visit to Saudi Arabia.
The Memorandum of Understanding focuses on strengthening cooperation between the two countries and promoting joint actions for the development of the tourism sector, with an emphasis on sustainable tourism development, the exchange of know-how, cooperation in tourism education, the use of technology, and other areas.
According to a press release issued by the Deputy Ministry, Kostas Koumis carried out an official visit to Saudi Arabia, which wrapped up on Tuesday. During his visit, he participated in the 26th General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) in Riyadh, which ratified the election of the new Secretary-General of the Organization, Shaikha Al Nowais.
As part of his visit, Koumis met with his Saudi counterpart, Ahmed Al Khateeb, with whom he co-signed the Memorandum of Understanding in the field of tourism. In statements to Arab media immediately after the signing of the Memorandum, the Deputy Minister said that the Saudi Arabian market is an emerging and very promising market, "which I believe will, in the short term, become an important source of tourists for the entire European continent."
The Deputy Minister noted that Saudi Arabia is a vast country with a very sound economy, currently accounting for 20% of outbound overnight stays from the Middle East region, and is on an upward trajectory. He also noted that Cyprus’ tourism sector is likewise experiencing steady growth.
"The government believes that it is beneficial for our country's tourism to pursue closer relations with neighboring countries and to lay the foundations for the growth of the Saudi Arabian market in Cyprus. I also hope that the number of Cypriot citizens visiting Saudi Arabia will increase, as the country, as I have seen, is developing its tourism sector rapidly, based on a long-term plan," said Koumis.
He added that with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, a solid foundation has been established for the development of closer cooperative relations between the two countries in the field of tourism.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism also met with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Investments, Yousef Almubarak, with whom he discussed a range of issues concerning both countries.
Additionally, during the Assembly, Koumis had the opportunity to discuss tourism policy matters with other Saudi officials as well as his counterparts from other countries.
The Deputy Minister also had the opportunity to extensively explain the progress of Cyprus’ tourism sector to Saudi journalists, who showed particular interest following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.
Alongside the above, the Deputy Minister of Tourism held a series of official meetings aimed at finding strategic partners from the Saudi Arabian market, according to the press release.
(Source: CNA)
