The First Meeting of the Core Group on Tourism (CGT) was held virtually on 31 August 2020 and was chaired by the United Arab Emirates. The meeting was attended by a broad representation of IORA Member States and Dialogue Partners, reflecting strong regional and partner engagement on tourism cooperation during an unprecedented period for the sector.
The meeting opened with remarks by the Chair and the IORA Secretariat, followed by the adoption of the agenda. Discussions focused primarily on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism across the Indian Ocean Region and the need for coordinated regional responses. Presentations by the United Arab Emirates, Maldives and Italy highlighted the severe decline in tourist arrivals, revenue losses and employment impacts, alongside national measures to reopen borders safely and restore confidence in travel. Speakers underscored the opportunity to rebuild tourism in a more competitive, digital and sustainable manner, aligned with UNWTO guidance.
Key takeaways included the shared recognition of COVID-19’s profound economic and social impacts on tourism, the gradual reopening of destinations with enhanced health and safety protocols, and the importance of sharing experiences and best practices among Member States and Dialogue Partners. The meeting endorsed prioritising tourism within proposed amendments to the IORA Special Fund to support COVID-19 response efforts and welcomed Italy’s offer to support sustainable cruise tourism through training and a regional webinar.
The Core Group reviewed the status of its Work Plan and agreed on updates, noting the need to reassess activities in light of the pandemic. Progress was also noted on initiatives including the establishment of a Tourism Resource Centre, development of platforms for sharing best practices, a comprehensive cruise tourism study, and alignment with the tourism component of the Blue Economy Work Plan. Dialogue Partners outlined proposed capacity-building and training initiatives and were encouraged to align future cooperation with CGT priorities.
