The 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly opened in Riyadh, marking a historic first for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and the largest Assembly since UN Tourism was founded 50 years ago.
Around 160 delegations from member states
including ministers, senior officials, and leaders from across industry and
civil society are coming together to celebrate five decades of international
collaboration under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.”
The Assembly is hosted by Saudi Arabia’s
Ministry of Tourism, with extensive cooperation and planning alongside UN
Tourism and a wide range of partners.
This collaboration underscores the
Kingdom’s dedication to advancing the industry and facilitating impactful
dialogue on the global stage.
For half a century, UN Tourism has advanced
economic opportunity, cross-cultural understanding, and peace through travel.
With the sector’s rapid digital transformation reshaping how people discover,
book, and experience destinations, this year’s Assembly focuses on ensuring AI
serves people and places supporting jobs, small businesses, destination
stewardship, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Over the coming days, delegates will
participate in four plenary sessions, numerous meetings of seven specialised
committees, and the 124th and 125th sessions of the Executive Council - the
organisation’s highest executive body. The agenda is designed to foster
discussions on how artificial intelligence and digital transformation can
accelerate sustainable, inclusive growth and deepen international cooperation
in tourism.
Ahmed Al
Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, said: “Saudi Arabia
is proud to welcome the world to the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly as we
celebrate 50 years of UN Tourism’s global cooperation and shared progress. This
week marks a defining moment for our industry — a chance to shape how tourism
grows in the decades ahead through stronger connectivity, greater
sustainability, deeper investment in human capital, and innovation powered by
AI.
Tourism is one of the world’s most powerful
forces for prosperity and understanding — creating jobs, supporting small
businesses, and connecting cultures. Guided by Vision 2030, the Kingdom is
committed to ensuring that this growth continues to drive opportunity and
inclusion — and to welcoming the world with the spirit of Saudi hospitality
that defines who we are.”
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “The UN Tourism
General Assembly brings together tourism leaders from across the world to set
the agenda and build a more innovative and inclusive sector. Over the next few
days, first with the meeting of our diverse and dynamic Affiliate Members, and
then with the sessions of our General Assembly, Riyadh will showcase the power
of tourism, as a driver of transformation, modernisation and opportunity.
Together, we can harness the power of technology to drive positive change,
diversify our economies and create jobs for many millions of people
everywhere.”
With the inaugural meetings set to take
place today, Riyadh stands ready to welcome the world, with state-of-the-art
venues and a vibrant hospitality sector that reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment
to global engagement and excellence.
As the host of the 26th session of the General Assembly, Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of the drive to promote growth, sustainability and multilateral cooperation under the umbrella of UN Tourism. The Kingdom’s long-standing partnership with the UN agency is marked by active engagement, impactful joint initiatives and historic milestones including opening UN Tourism’s first Middle East regional office in Riyadh and Saudi Arabia’s two-term chairmanship of the Executive Council in 2023 and 2024. -TradeArabia News Service
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