AMMAN, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- Jordan will host the first regional conference on sustainable tourism in November, official said on Wednesday.
Themed "Tourism in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Competitiveness for Sustainable Growth," the conference will raise awareness and exchange of knowledge on the impact of sustainable tourism development, said Lina Mazhar Annab, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities.
The conference is part of the activities of the 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism, she added, to reflect the global goals of sustainable development until 2030.
Sustainable urban tourism aims at developing the environment and preserving the cultural heritage of local communities, therefore providing a unique tourist experience for visitors, Annab added.
The conference also seeks to highlight a method of collaboration between the concerned parties to bring about change.
Moreover, an agreement will be signed between the World Tourism Organization and seven international companies, along with the Jordanian National Tourism Associations to promote social responsibility values and practices.
The two-day regional conference will be held in cooperation with the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Greater Amman Municipality and with the technical support of the World Tourism Organization, she added.
