New Delhi, Oct 15: The Arab Tourism Organisation (ATO) has reportedly claimed recently that Arabs are responsible for around 30% of the value of all medical tourism across the world each year.

The ATO is a part of The Arab Ministerial Council on Tourism (AMCT) which is responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable and Arabian accessible tourism.

ATO aims to promote tourism as a main source of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability in Arab countries, and offers leadership and support to the sector. It also provides technical assistance projects in over 22 Arab countries.

ATO has partnered with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to enhance corporate cooperation, and develop partnerships between the public and private sectors in projects that contribute to the sustainable development of the tourism sector in Arab countries.

The ATO claims that US$100 billion was spent on medical tourism worldwide per annum while it is expected to reach more than US$200 billion over the next 10 years.

ATO cites examples of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Tunisia that have long-term plans to lay the foundations for medical and recovery tourism.

Meanwhile the ATO recently signed a co-operation agreement with King Salman International University (KSIU) in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, mainly aimed at the development of the tourism sector and upgrading the skills of the Arab youth in this field.

The agreement was signed by ATO President Dr Bandar bin Fahd Al Faheed and KSIU's President Dr. Ashraf Saad Hussein in the presence of a number of officials from both sides, reported SPA.

The agreement stipulated that ATO shall accredit the KSIU's faculty of Tourism and Hospitality as a regional hub for training Arab youth, in addition to approving programs and courses in the tourism field and managing reservations and sales for travel and tourism agencies, it added.