The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in cooperation with the local authority in Aden, organized a formal and artistic event today in the interim capital, Aden, to celebrate Arab Tourism Day, which falls on February 25th each year. The event, held under the theme “Arab Tourism: Bridges of Culture and Sustainable Development,” was sponsored by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mutie Damaj, and the Minister of State and Governor of Aden, Abdulrahman Sheikh.
At the beginning of the ceremony, the Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Hussein Baslim, emphasized that tourism has become a fundamental pillar of the national economy and an effective tool for promoting cultural dialogue and building bridges of understanding between Arab peoples. He noted that celebrating this occasion reflects the importance of the tourism sector in supporting comprehensive development, stimulating the economy, and creating job opportunities.
Baslim explained that the Ministry is working to solidify the role of tourism in achieving sustainable development by preserving archaeological sites and historical landmarks, supporting traditional crafts and industries, training national talent, and developing tourism services to meet the aspirations of the next phase. He emphasized the Ministry's commitment to building effective partnerships with various stakeholders and strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors.
For his part, Aden Deputy Governor Mohammed Saeed Salem noted that Arab Tourism Day is an annual occasion to highlight the importance of tourism as an economic and cultural driver that contributes to fostering closer ties between peoples and showcasing authentic Arab identity. He affirmed the local authority's full support for all initiatives aimed at revitalizing the tourism and cultural sectors in Aden and stressed the necessity of integrating the roles of official bodies and the private sector to achieve sustainable tourism development.
The ceremony also included speeches by representatives of the private sector, who emphasized that this occasion represents a civilizational message reflecting the identity, culture, and history of nations. They pointed to the promising tourism potential of Yemen in general, and Aden in particular, including its rich history, strategic location, and cultural and human diversity, making it a destination worthy of attention and investment.
The speakers affirmed that the private sector is a pivotal partner in the tourism revival, given its capacity for innovation, service development, enhancing the hospitality experience, and creating job opportunities. They stressed that the success of tourism in Yemen requires integrated efforts between government institutions and the private sector, as well as strengthening the investment environment in the tourism field.
The ceremony also featured artistic and musical performances, in addition to honoring a number of organizations and individuals who have supported the tourism sector.
