By Tourism, often regarded as a leisure activity, holds immense potential as an economic driver. The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, emphasizes that tourism stands as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, especially for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which form the backbone of the OIC Member States. By investing in infrastructure, promoting cultural heritage, and facilitating entrepreneurial opportunities, OIC Member States can unlock the potential of MSMEs to generate employment, spur innovation, and drive inclusive growth.
The Role of Tourism in Poverty Alleviation
Tourism possesses the transformative ability to alleviate poverty by creating income-generating opportunities for local communities, particularly in rural and marginalized areas. Women, who make up 54% of the tourism workforce, play a crucial role in this sector. By promoting community-based tourism initiatives and empowering local stakeholders, the OIC can ensure that the benefits of tourism reach those who need it most, contributing to poverty eradication and sustainable development.
Enhancing Cooperation and Recovery
Uzbekistan, host of the 12th session of the Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers of the OIC (12th ICTM) in Khiva, expresses its desire to further enhance cooperation among OIC Member States in the domain of tourism, particularly after the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.