H.E. Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa Nominated As Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization
The internationally recognised royal has played an integral part in advancing Bahrain’s cultural infrastructure and sustainable tourism projects.
Her Excellency Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa is in the running for the post of Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Nominated by the Bahraini government, the President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities has numerous achievements under her belt. The royal, who is also Chairperson of the Board of the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage and Founder/Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research, is mostly known for her prominent work in enhancing sustainable tourism and developing a robust cultural infrastructure.
“I am humbled to be nominated as the Secretary General of the UNWTO. The contributions of the tourism sector in supporting economic development cannot be underestimated, it has the power to alleviate poverty, support local industries and enhance education and healthcare systems,” said Shaikha Mai, who was appointed as the Special Ambassador of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development in 2017 by the same organisation. “I have been fortunate to contribute to the growth of the cultural sector in Bahrain and have seen first-hand the impact it has had in enhancing tourism and developing cross-cultural understanding.”
Shaikha Mai's candidacy comes as the tourism sector is going through significant challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As we look toward post-pandemic recovery, we must continue to support sustainable tourism to drive socio-cultural progress and achieve greater economic prosperity,” she added while talking about her impressive feat.
