Travel and tourism a major factor for cultural exchange, says Mohammad

Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, opened in Dubai the World Travel and Tourism Council's (WTTC) two-day conference.

The WTTC is attended by over 1100 Arab and foreign personalities from worldwide as decision makers and tourist-travel experts in this vital sector.

Shaikh Mohammad, who is also sponsoring the event, was warmly welcomed at the opening ceremony on Monday.

He listened to the keynote speakers, who described Dubai as an international forum at an Arab land meant to promote dialogue and understanding based on mutual respect and openness.

Meeting WTTC President Jean-Claude and board members, Shaikh Mohammad stressed that "The travel and tourism industry has been constituting for long a fundamental economic development, cultural and social sectors combined together in many civilised countries worldwide whose rich heritage attracts tourists", citing prosperous curative tourism as an additional success to this sector.

He welcomed the guests and called on them to learn about the UAE culture, heritage and enjoy the UAE's sun, desert and beaches, which have become components of world tourism that distinguish UAE and attract huge numbers of Arab and foreign tourists.

"Investment in the travel and tourism sector is no longer a material gain or an important source of national income, but it has become a major factor for the cultural exchange among different people", Shaikh Mohammad remarked.

Present at the inauguration ceremony were Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Department and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Foundation for Events Management and Organisation, and other senior officials.