Saudi Arabia Concludes Chairmanship Of UN Tourism Executive Council At 122nd Meeting In Colombia

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb, led the country's delegation at the 122nd session of the UN Tourism Executive Council in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. This event took place from 13-15 November. Saudi Arabia concluded its two-year leadership of the council during this session. The country focused on boosting global tourism through investments, education, youth empowerment, and sustainability.

Al Khateeb opened the session by urging council members to work together. He stated, "this gathering once again reaffirms our shared vision for the continuous prosperity of global tourism." He highlighted the importance of innovative models to sustain tourism, create investment opportunities, and support strategic partnerships.

Under Saudi Arabia's chairmanship, tourism became a key driver for global economic growth. It is expected to contribute 10% to the global GDP with an annual spending of US$11 trillion in 2024. This growth is driven by increased air connectivity and rising demand post-pandemic.

The expansion of the middle-class tourist base in emerging markets also supports this growth. These factors are anticipated to further boost tourism's contribution to the global economy.

As Saudi Arabia's term as chair ended, Al Khateeb expressed hope that progress would continue. He said, "As we pass the responsibility to the next chair, we hope that momentum will continue through forward-thinking policies, investments, and global cooperation."

The Kingdom's efforts have positively impacted both economic outcomes and societal aspects within global tourism. The comprehensive development program initiated during its tenure has been instrumental in these achievements.

The focus on sustainability and strategic partnerships has been crucial in shaping future tourism strategies. These initiatives aim to ensure long-term benefits for all stakeholders involved in the sector.

Saudi Arabia's leadership has set a strong foundation for ongoing collaboration among council members. The emphasis on mutual cooperation remains vital for achieving shared goals in tourism development worldwide.

With inputs from SPA