Special to ag-IP-news Agency

MADRID - The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the United Nations Specialized Agency for Tourism named HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh a Special Ambassador in recognition of his special contributions to the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development (IY2017).

During the opening session of the Organization, UNWTO Secretary-General Mr. Taleb Rifai presented Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh with the Special Ambassador certificate.

Jordan's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities HE Ms. Lina Annab and HE Mr. Ghassan Majali, Jordan Ambassador in Madrid in addition to 70 Ministers of Tourism from around the world and 600 organizations and officials took part in the event.

HRH Princess Dana Firas was also honored in recognition of her support to Petra in addition to other Special Ambassadors: HM King of Bulgaria Simeon II, Dr Michael Frenzel, President, Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry and Huayong Ge, President, UnionPay.

The United Nations 70th General Assembly has designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development which aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behavior towards a more sustainable tourism sector that can contribute to the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh said: "Through this title, I will seek to support and develop tourism in Jordan and the Arab world," adding that in addition to other UN positions as Chair of CSU Honorary Council concerned with the UN SDG 11 he will seek to benefit from the development in the ICT sector to serve the sustainability of the tourism sector as this crucial sector employs tenth of the working force and responsible for the tenth of the GDP in the developed countries.