The 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly opened today in Riyadh, marking the first time the gathering has been held in the Gulf Cooperation Council region. It is also the largest General Assembly since the organization’s founding five decades ago. Approximately 160 delegations, including ministers, senior officials, and representatives from industry and civil society, are attending under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.”
The event is hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism in coordination with UN Tourism and multiple partner organizations. The scale and planning involved reflect the Kingdom’s intent to position itself as a central contributor to global tourism development and dialogue.
For fifty years, UN Tourism has promoted international cooperation in travel, emphasizing economic growth and cultural understanding. With rapid digital and technological shifts influencing how destinations are accessed and managed, this year’s discussions focus on the role of artificial intelligence in supporting local economies, protecting cultural and natural assets, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
The program includes four plenary sessions and a series of committee meetings, as well as the 124th and 125th sessions of the Executive Council. These sessions will consider how digital transformation and AI can contribute to sustainability, workforce development, and more resilient tourism models.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb, stated that hosting the Assembly aligns with the objectives of Vision 2030, noting the potential of tourism to generate employment, strengthen small businesses, and support cultural exchange. He emphasized the aim of balancing growth with broader social and economic benefits.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili highlighted the Assembly’s role in shaping policy and collective priorities for the sector. He noted that the discussions in Riyadh are intended to encourage innovation, diversify tourism-dependent economies, and expand job opportunities globally.
Riyadh has prepared to host the event through investments in hospitality and conference infrastructure, presenting itself as a destination capable of accommodating large-scale international gatherings. Saudi Arabia’s recent collaboration with UN Tourism includes the establishment of the organization’s first Middle East regional office in Riyadh, along with the Kingdom’s two-term chairmanship of the Executive Council. The current Assembly continues this pattern of increased involvement in global tourism governance.
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