“The general objective of the forum is to expand the role of tourism as an instrument of economic growth that would provide thousands of job opportunities,” President of the Arab Tourism Organization (ATO) Bandar Al-Fuhaid said after a meeting with Bursa Gov. Shihabdine Kharbout at the ATO head office in Jeddah yesterday.

A number of strategies and steps have to be implemented by both public and private organizations related to the industry, he said.

The major goals of the forum include arranging a place to facilitate meetings between various parties working in the industry such as travel agencies, airline companies, property owners and officials related to tourism, handicrafts and hospitality. It will also provide a domain for the signing of commercial agreements between establishments that market tourism products in addition to offering investment opportunities and partnerships in the tourism industry in Arab countries and Turkey, he said.

The conference will also provide a venue to discuss new ideas in tourism development, he said.

He added a number of memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed between the Arab and Turkish companies on the sidelines of the forum.

Shihabdine said Palestinian officials would also participate in the forum.

Bursa Mayor Rajap Tayip, a participant in the meeting, said all Turkish departments would help make the event a success.