Saudi Arabia Aims for Top 10 Global Tourism Ranking, Minister Says
Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb outlines plans to boost Saudi Arabia's global tourism standing.
Saudi Arabia is working towards ranking among the world’s top 10 tourist destinations, according to the country’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb.
The goal was announced during a press conference held in Jeddah on Monday.
Al-Khateeb highlighted that the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh focused on digital transformation in tourism and how member states are advancing initiatives, particularly those involving artificial intelligence (AI).
The event saw the attendance of UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and Shaikha Al-Nowais, who was recently elected as the new secretary-general of the organization.
Notably, Al-Nowais is the first woman and youngest person to lead the global tourism body in its 50-year history.
Al-Khateeb described the Riyadh Declaration as a key document outlining future directions for the organization.
He emphasized that the declaration addresses sustainability, air connectivity, investment attraction, and human resource development through training and capacity-building initiatives.
Al-Khateeb also discussed advancements in technology aimed at enhancing the tourist experience, such as utilizing facial recognition to streamline airport processes.
He further highlighted the importance of fostering human interaction within the tourism sector.
“We are keen to develop human capabilities in tourism,” he said, noting that it acts as a bridge between cultures.
Al-Nowais, for her part, stressed the priorities of sustainable growth, transparency, and digital transformation within the organization.
She mentioned initiatives like the Best Tourism Village program that supports local communities and promotes rural village development.
Both leaders spoke highly of the importance of technology in managing tourism effectively.
Pololikashvili also addressed the shared commitment among countries as outlined in the Riyadh Declaration.
He explained it aims to leave a lasting legacy, with priorities including digitalization, education, and investments that are clearly detailed for future years.
The four-day 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, held under the theme 'AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future', brought together representatives from more than 150 countries.
Attendees included ministers, global tourism leaders, and industry experts to discuss the future of travel, innovation, and sustainable development.
The event is significant as it represents the highest decision-making body within the UNWTO, comprising over 159 member states along with private sector and non-governmental organization representatives.
The goal was announced during a press conference held in Jeddah on Monday.
Al-Khateeb highlighted that the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh focused on digital transformation in tourism and how member states are advancing initiatives, particularly those involving artificial intelligence (AI).
The event saw the attendance of UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and Shaikha Al-Nowais, who was recently elected as the new secretary-general of the organization.
Notably, Al-Nowais is the first woman and youngest person to lead the global tourism body in its 50-year history.
Al-Khateeb described the Riyadh Declaration as a key document outlining future directions for the organization.
He emphasized that the declaration addresses sustainability, air connectivity, investment attraction, and human resource development through training and capacity-building initiatives.
Al-Khateeb also discussed advancements in technology aimed at enhancing the tourist experience, such as utilizing facial recognition to streamline airport processes.
He further highlighted the importance of fostering human interaction within the tourism sector.
“We are keen to develop human capabilities in tourism,” he said, noting that it acts as a bridge between cultures.
Al-Nowais, for her part, stressed the priorities of sustainable growth, transparency, and digital transformation within the organization.
She mentioned initiatives like the Best Tourism Village program that supports local communities and promotes rural village development.
Both leaders spoke highly of the importance of technology in managing tourism effectively.
Pololikashvili also addressed the shared commitment among countries as outlined in the Riyadh Declaration.
He explained it aims to leave a lasting legacy, with priorities including digitalization, education, and investments that are clearly detailed for future years.
The four-day 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, held under the theme 'AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future', brought together representatives from more than 150 countries.
Attendees included ministers, global tourism leaders, and industry experts to discuss the future of travel, innovation, and sustainable development.
The event is significant as it represents the highest decision-making body within the UNWTO, comprising over 159 member states along with private sector and non-governmental organization representatives.
