Saudi Arabia Hosts Landmark UN Tourism Assembly in Riyadh to Drive AI-Powered Industry Growth
The 26th General Assembly of UN Tourism convenes in Saudi Arabia with more than 160 delegations and a focus on technology, sustainability and economic diversification
Riyadh has opened the 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly (UNTGA) from November 7-11, marking a significant milestone for both the organisation and its host nation.
More than 160 delegations, including ministers, senior officials and industry leaders, are gathered under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future” to explore how digital technologies can drive the tourism sector’s next phase.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting is historic: it is the first time a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country has held the UNTGA, and the largest assembly in the organisation’s fifty-year history.
The Kingdom’s Ministry of Tourism is partnering with UN Tourism to convene this global meeting, aligning the event with Saudi Arabia’s strategic Vision 2030 plan and its ambition to become a global tourism hub.
The core agenda places artificial intelligence (AI) at the centre of industry transformation.
Sessions will focus on how AI can support job creation, empower small businesses, personalise visitor experiences, streamline operations and enhance sustainability.
An AI challenge for startups and a high-level panel on innovation are among the highlights of the programme.
Beyond technology, the assembly emphasises sustainability, inclusivity and economic diversification.
Saudi Arabia’s vision is to demonstrate how tourism can be leveraged to broaden economic opportunity, foster cultural exchange and promote responsible growth.
The Kingdom has already established UN Tourism’s first Middle East regional office in Riyadh and served as Executive Council chair in 2023-24, signalling its commitment to global cooperation.
“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,” said Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb.
As delegates engage in plenary sessions, committee work and technology showcases, Saudi Arabia is asserting its leadership in shaping the future of global travel.
The outcomes of this assembly may influence policy, investment and industry practices globally — positioning the Kingdom as a key convener in the tourism sector’s next chapter.
More than 160 delegations, including ministers, senior officials and industry leaders, are gathered under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future” to explore how digital technologies can drive the tourism sector’s next phase.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting is historic: it is the first time a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country has held the UNTGA, and the largest assembly in the organisation’s fifty-year history.
The Kingdom’s Ministry of Tourism is partnering with UN Tourism to convene this global meeting, aligning the event with Saudi Arabia’s strategic Vision 2030 plan and its ambition to become a global tourism hub.
The core agenda places artificial intelligence (AI) at the centre of industry transformation.
Sessions will focus on how AI can support job creation, empower small businesses, personalise visitor experiences, streamline operations and enhance sustainability.
An AI challenge for startups and a high-level panel on innovation are among the highlights of the programme.
Beyond technology, the assembly emphasises sustainability, inclusivity and economic diversification.
Saudi Arabia’s vision is to demonstrate how tourism can be leveraged to broaden economic opportunity, foster cultural exchange and promote responsible growth.
The Kingdom has already established UN Tourism’s first Middle East regional office in Riyadh and served as Executive Council chair in 2023-24, signalling its commitment to global cooperation.
“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,” said Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb.
As delegates engage in plenary sessions, committee work and technology showcases, Saudi Arabia is asserting its leadership in shaping the future of global travel.
The outcomes of this assembly may influence policy, investment and industry practices globally — positioning the Kingdom as a key convener in the tourism sector’s next chapter.
