Saudi Arabia secures leadership role again for UN Tourism Body in 2024

Saudi Arabia will continue its leadership role in the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for 2024, following a decision made during its council meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The Saudi Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, remarked on the achievements of Saudi Arabia's 2023 presidency. He highlighted numerous initiatives based on partnership, innovation, and progress and emphasized the organization's united vision, commitment, and collaboration. He shared his optimism about the continued leadership in 2024, focusing on fostering economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties between countries.

The minister underscored the Kingdom's relentless support for the tourism sector, noting significant international sustainability initiatives. An example he cited was establishing the Sustainable Tourism Global Center as part of the Saudi Green Initiative in 2021. This center recently initiated an international research body dedicated to the tourism sector's shift towards climate neutrality.

Saudi Arabia's vision for global travel and its leadership role in the tourism sector during its 2023 presidency of the Executive Council was marked by innovation and a detailed implementation plan. The focus was primarily on global cooperation, pioneering initiatives, and reimagining the tourism sector's future.

In a significant announcement, Saudi Arabia was chosen to host the UNWTO's 26th General Assembly session in 2025, marking the first time the Kingdom will hold such an event.
The minister took to social media platform X to express his pride in the Kingdom's selection for the 2025 General Assembly, emphasizing their dedication to uplifting the global tourism sector.

Another post by the minister underscored Saudi Arabia's dedication to enhancing the global tourism sector and fostering development opportunities. Echoing these sentiments, Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud, the vice minister for tourism, posted about Riyadh's role in hosting the 2025 General Assembly, illustrating the Kingdom's emerging prominence on the global stage.