Tourism Minister Haim Katz landed today (Tuesday) in Riyadh together with his entourage, thus becoming the first minister to head an official delegation to Saudi Arabia. During the visit, which will last two days, Katz will participate in a conference of the United Nations Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and a number of events and professional discussions. In addition, he will hold meetings with his counterparts, with an emphasis on ministers from the Middle East.On Monday, Communications Minister Shlomo Karai will also arrive in Saudi Arabia, and even inspected the Sukkah balcony. The Chairman of the Economic Committee, MK David Bitan, will also travel with him.
The convention to which Minister Katz went, with the participation of the world’s tourism policy leaders, is being held to commemorate International Tourism Day. “Tourism is a bridge between nations,” said the minister. “Partnership in tourism issues has the potential to bring hearts together and economic prosperity. I will work to create collaborations to promote tourism and Israel’s foreign relations.”
In the past year, Israel strengthened its position in the United Nations Tourism Organization and was recently elected for the first time to an official position in the organization, and leads a task force to shape the organization’s global tourism concept, alongside Spain.