UN Tourism Secretary-General Elect Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais Meets Chinese Ambassador To Discuss Tourism Collaboration

Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, the Secretary-General elect of UN Tourism for 2026–2029, recently engaged in discussions with Zhang Yiming, China's Ambassador to the UAE. The meeting took place in Abu Dhabi and centred on enhancing cooperation in tourism. They explored potential partnerships to boost cultural initiatives and economic growth within the tourism sector.

Al Nowais expressed her dedication to collaborating with international partners, especially China, to advance strategic projects in sustainable and cultural tourism. She highlighted China's vibrant tourism industry as a significant contributor to global tourism growth and cultural exchange. This collaboration aims to foster knowledge sharing and economic development in related sectors.

During their discussions, both parties identified several priority areas of mutual interest. These included initiatives aimed at empowering local communities and leveraging China's expertise and resources. They also considered ways to enhance tourism mobility across countries through bilateral and multilateral efforts aligned with global tourism frameworks set by the United Nations.

The meeting underscored the importance of aligning international efforts to strengthen tourism's role as a bridge between cultures. Both sides agreed that tourism can act as a catalyst for sustainable development and youth empowerment. They stressed the need for policies that embrace diversity, encourage innovation, and ensure sustainable resource use.

Al Nowais stated, "We value China’s continuing efforts to drive tourism and promote partnerships in this field. We look forward to expanding collaboration in the areas of education, training, and tourism innovation through launching training programmes globally to elevate the preparedness of the tourism workforce, enrich cultural tourism experiences, and support rural community development through sustainable tourism."

Enhancing Global Tourism Collaboration

The dialogue also focused on expanding educational opportunities and training programmes worldwide. These initiatives aim to improve workforce readiness in the tourism sector while enriching cultural experiences. Additionally, they discussed supporting rural community development through sustainable practices.

The commitment from both parties highlights a shared vision for future collaborations that will not only benefit their respective nations but also contribute positively to global tourism markets. By working together, they aim to create a more interconnected world where cultural exchange thrives alongside economic progress.

With inputs from WAM