The 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly concluded with the adoption of the Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism, a momentous step taken by member states toward enhanced cooperation over the next 50 years.
The Declaration
reaffirms the Kingdom’s leadership in global tourism and its position at the
heart of major, industry-changing decisions, as the ground-breaking Declaration
is poised to play a central role in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development, emphasizing sustainability, digital innovation, AI integration,
and inclusive tourism economies.
The Riyadh Declaration
on the Future of Tourism is a shared roadmap to guide the sector’s next
half-century around sustainability, inclusion and AI-powered innovation.
It underscores
strengthening international cooperation, resilience, and the empowerment of
local communities, setting a vision to ensure tourism remains a force for
economic growth, cultural understanding, and environmental stewardship
worldwide.
Ahmed Al Khateeb,
Minister of Tourism, said: “From Riyadh, we move from declarations to delivery.
The agreements signed here and the platforms we are launching will mobilize
investment, upskill our people, digitize our SMEs, and protect culture and
nature. As home to UN Tourism’s Regional Office for the Middle East, the
Kingdom will continue to convene partners and deliver measurable outcomes, so
tourism remains a bridge between nations and a driver of shared prosperity.”
“The declaration’s
adoption signals renewed determination among the international community to
unlock the full economic and social value of tourism as we pursue the SDGs. It
is also a vote of confidence in Saudi Arabia’s position as a facilitator of
dialogue and a new hub for collaboration.”
During the UN Tourism
26th General Assembly, delegates also ratified the appointment of
Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as the next Secretary-General of UN Tourism, the first
woman and GCC national to lead the organization. Her term will begin at the
start of 2026.
The General Assembly
also coincided with the official launch of TOURISE, a new global initiative
launched by Saudi Arabia, dedicated to strengthening collaboration between the
private and public sectors and driving innovation across the global tourism sector.
TOURISE will serve as
a platform for public leaders and private sector stakeholders to work together
on advancing digital transformation, impactful investment, sustainability, and
workforce development, ensuring the sector is well-equipped to meet future
challenges and opportunities. -TradeArabia News Service