The Third Arab Forum for Tourism Statistics concluded on 23 September in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. The forum was organised by the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Antiquities of the Republic of Iraq. It brought together representatives of tourism and statistics ministries and agencies from Arab countries, as well as regional and international organisations, including the United Nations, the European Union, the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), and several academic institutions.
Ambassador Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Maliki, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Economic Affairs Sector at the League of Arab States, stressed that the forum serves as a vital platform for the exchange of Arab and international expertise and best practices. He underlined that the development of the Arab tourism statistical system has become essential to keeping pace with global transformations and to supporting data-driven decision-making.
Over three days, participants addressed a wide range of issues, including international and Arab experiences in tourism statistics, tourism satellite accounts, innovation and modern technologies in data production, and the role of media and investment in advancing tourism statistics. The forum also featured research and scientific papers presented by Arab and international experts on the latest methodologies and tools for data collection and analysis, and their role in promoting sustainable development.
At the close of its deliberations, the forum issued a set of practical recommendations, most notably:
- Preparing a comprehensive Arab strategy for developing tourism statistics in line with international standards and tailored to the needs of Arab countries.
- Launching training and capacity-building programmes for national cadres working in the fields of tourism and statistics.
- Promoting the use of modern technologies and big data, such as mobile phone data and electronic payment systems, to measure tourism activity.
- Establishing a unified Arab tourism database to foster integration and provide accurate information to decision-makers.
- Expanding regional and international cooperation through partnerships with international organisations and academic institutions.
Participants agreed that the success of the forum reflects the collective Arab commitment to building an advanced tourism statistical system that supports evidence-based policymaking and strengthens the role of the tourism sector as a key driver of economic and social development in the Arab world.
