Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH – The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) announced on Friday that it will honor Prince Sultan Bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), in recognition of his efforts in supporting and strengthening the stability and growth of the global tourism sector as well as his efforts to preserve the world heritage.
Prince Sultan will be honored during the 22nd UNWTO General Assembly session, to be held on Sept. 13 in China in the presence of 156 member countries.
Taleb Rifai, secretary general of UNWTO, said that this was for the first time the global body is honoring a person at the high-profile annual gathering. “Prince Sultan managed to win the stamping of all ministers from the UNWTO member states to the effect that he has been instrumental in bringing about changes in the outlook of the entire global community toward tourism and the world heritage besides a qualitative shift by enabling the world community realize that tourism is not a luxury but an economic industry and vital sector for development,” he said adding that Prince Sultan has translated a vision that tourism can be a basic part of the Kingdom’s future and its drive in diversifying non-oil resources of income.
Meanwhile, Prince Sultan expressed his pride over having this exceptional appreciation from the world tourism body. “This honor is in fact a recognition for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, government and people of Saudi Arabia for their big support to tourism, which reflects their cultures and heritage in the first place,” he added.
