UN Tourism General Assembly Kicks Off in Riyadh
26th UN Tourism General Assembly to hold opening ceremony and first plenary on Nov. 9.
More than 160 delegates from around the world have gathered in Riyadh for the 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly, marking the first time a Gulf Cooperation Council country hosts a UN agency's general assembly.
This development underscores the significant role the region plays in the tourism sector.
The four-day event will feature four plenary sessions, numerous meetings of seven specialized committees, and the 124th and 125th sessions of the Executive Council—the organization's highest executive body.
The General Assembly’s opening ceremony is set to begin at 10am KSA time on Sunday, followed by the first plenary meeting.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the assembly's aim: 'to set the agenda and build a more innovative and inclusive sector.' He noted that Riyadh will showcase tourism's power as a driver of transformation, modernization, and opportunity.
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb expressed pride in hosting the event, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable growth aligned with Vision 2030.
In preparation for the assembly, over 200 delegates representing more than 100 affiliated entities had been working on issues facing the tourism sector since the days leading up to the opening ceremony.
Notable agenda items include advancing public-private collaboration and recognizing outstanding projects in sustainable sports tourism through the first UN Tourism Awards for Excellence powered by FIA.
Additionally, designated experts from the Affiliate Members network are now part of the Panel of Experts, contributing insights to the World Tourism Barometer report published quarterly.
The assembly also saw the inaugural meeting of the Executive Council’s Interinstitutional Working Group on Tourism and Climate Action, with 29 countries in attendance, chaired by Brazil and vice-chaired by Antigua and Barbuda and Maldives.
Maldives Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim addressed the environmental impact of tourism on his country, emphasizing initiatives to generate power sustainably and transition towards renewable energy sources.
This development underscores the significant role the region plays in the tourism sector.
The four-day event will feature four plenary sessions, numerous meetings of seven specialized committees, and the 124th and 125th sessions of the Executive Council—the organization's highest executive body.
The General Assembly’s opening ceremony is set to begin at 10am KSA time on Sunday, followed by the first plenary meeting.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the assembly's aim: 'to set the agenda and build a more innovative and inclusive sector.' He noted that Riyadh will showcase tourism's power as a driver of transformation, modernization, and opportunity.
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb expressed pride in hosting the event, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable growth aligned with Vision 2030.
In preparation for the assembly, over 200 delegates representing more than 100 affiliated entities had been working on issues facing the tourism sector since the days leading up to the opening ceremony.
Notable agenda items include advancing public-private collaboration and recognizing outstanding projects in sustainable sports tourism through the first UN Tourism Awards for Excellence powered by FIA.
Additionally, designated experts from the Affiliate Members network are now part of the Panel of Experts, contributing insights to the World Tourism Barometer report published quarterly.
The assembly also saw the inaugural meeting of the Executive Council’s Interinstitutional Working Group on Tourism and Climate Action, with 29 countries in attendance, chaired by Brazil and vice-chaired by Antigua and Barbuda and Maldives.
Maldives Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim addressed the environmental impact of tourism on his country, emphasizing initiatives to generate power sustainably and transition towards renewable energy sources.
