Sheikha Al-Nois, the newly elected Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization for the term 2026-2029, participated in a discussion panel titled “Beyond Borders: The Role of Tourism in Economic Growth and Human Connection.” This event was part of the “Investopia – Mediterranean” dialogue sessions held in Cyprus yesterday, with the participation of Laura Lahoud, the Lebanese Minister of Tourism; Kostas Komes, the Minister of State for Tourism in Cyprus; Olga Kefaloyanni, the Greek Minister of Tourism; and Dr. Konstantinos Koumbos, the Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs.
During her participation, Sheikha Al-Nois outlined her vision for the future of tourism, which aims to promote sustainable economic growth while preserving cultural identity and natural resources, ensuring their sustainability for both current and future generations. She emphasized that this vision is based on five key pillars: First, promoting responsible tourism that prioritizes the protection of nature, culture, people, and the environment; second, building capacity and empowering youth, women, and communities; third, leveraging technology for good to enhance quality of life while maintaining privacy; fourth, adopting innovative financing solutions and developing tourism models that support sustainable growth; and fifth, establishing smart governance principles through leadership characterized by transparency, responsibility, and clarity.
Al-Nois stated, “The tourism sector not only contributes to the growth and diversification of the world’s economies but also serves as a vital bridge connecting diverse communities and cultures, fostering mutual understanding among peoples. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in providing job opportunities for all segments of society, as every economic growth translates into new job opportunities. Hence, it is essential to enhance collaborative efforts and combine resources to continue innovating diverse visions and initiatives, advancing this vital sector toward higher levels of progress and prosperity, in line with our future aspirations for sustainable and inclusive economic and social development.”