Doha, October 26 (QNA) - A panel discussion, held as part of the 9th World Investment Forum in Doha, explored the role of strategic investment in unlocking the full potential of the tourism and creative economy.

The session also examined mechanisms for investing in cultural assets, highlighting how such investments contribute to economic diversification and the strengthening of social cohesion.

Held under the title "Investing in the Future of Culture and Tourism," the session discussed the vision of the State of Qatar, along with the experiences of the Republics of Fiji and Sierra Leone, by addressing plans to develop the tourism sector in each country, the relations between the public and private sectors in the field of tourism, as well as the role of AI in developing the sector and further introducing tourist destinations.

In his opening remarks, HE Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) Hassan Al Thawadi said that we are living in an extraordinary era of technological transformation, where AI, digital platforms, and social media are reshaping the ways in which we create, communicate, and interact with the world.

His Excellency emphasized that the most significant benefit of this transformation lies in the ability to harness technology to bring people closer together through shared human experiences. He noted that technology has provided an unprecedented opportunity to expand the reach of these human connections.

His Excellency added that this requires governments, investors, and industry leaders to recognize the significance of the moments we share, moments supported by the creative entertainment industries, as a strategic pillar for accelerating and strengthening economic growth, fostering innovation, and deepening international understanding.

His Excellency noted that AI can support creativity, improve event organization, contribute to media broadcasting, and connect audiences with one another. He urged that these innovations be used to make experiences more inclusive by overcoming geographical and linguistic barriers.

For his part, HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation of the Republic of Fiji Viliame Gavoka emphasized that the future of tourism depends significantly on tourism linked to local communities and their authentic cultures. He noted that, in the future, many tourists will take a keen interest in authentic local tourism products and the experiences associated with them.

His Excellency added that a significant part of the future efforts will focus on developing the authentic, local aspects of their tourism sector. Fiji wants to offer visitors experiences that go beyond traditional tourist activities, allowing them to embrace a sense of discovery and engage closely with the communities they visit.

In turn, HE Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Sierra Leone Nabeela Farida Tunis said that investment in Sierra Leone serves as a bridge between its cultural and natural assets. This is achieved by offering experiences that allow visitors to discover and explore these assets, while simultaneously ensuring that local businesses generate income throughout the tourism journey.

Her Excellency said that Sierra Leone's vision has consistently been to build a tourism sector rooted in its people, driven by the private sector, and empowered by technology. Accordingly, its priorities include focusing on investment in accommodation facilities and visitor services, particularly in tourism destinations that are seeing significant public and private investment.

Her Excellency added that Sierra Leone's focus is also on creators, through investments in platforms that help them develop their talents and expand the reach of their work. Sierra Leone is particularly attentive to the fashion and music sectors.

Her Excellency emphasized that protecting the interests of local communities requires focusing efforts on organizing awareness campaigns aimed at these communities, preparing them to participate in the tourism sector, particularly through the launch of the "Tourism for All" campaign, as well as strengthening ties between these communities and the private sector.

Concluding the session, participants urged for strengthening partnerships in tourism-sector investment, facilitating the exchange of information, and utilizing AI tools in a manner that supports local communities, enabling them to benefit from economic prosperity while simultaneously preserving their heritage. (QNA)