Arab tourism ministerial council meets

Syria's prime minister opened on Monday in Damascus the Arab tourism ministerial council with a call for removing the barriers that hamper Arab states' endeavors for economic integration.

The Arab ministers will discuss means of increasing the flow of tourists between Arab states, the Arab tourism plan for 1998-2000 and encouraging private sector investments in the tourist sector.

Speaking on behalf of President Hafez Al Assad, the Syrian official said tourism integration is part of Arab economic integration, Map reported.

Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid said promoting the tourstic sector would push forward economic and social development. He said thar 1996 world tourism revenues reached $423 billion.