Saudi Arabia's Tourism Sector Addresses Climate Change Initiatives At COP29

Ageel Alshaibani, Vice Minister of Strategic Planning and Monitoring at the Ministry of Tourism, recently took part in a significant Ministerial Meeting on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism. This event was organized by the COP29 Presidency and featured a side event titled "Tourism, Climate Action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" at Saudi Arabia’s National Pavilion. Alshaibani stressed the need to align tourism with climate goals, highlighting the role of the Saudi Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC) in this transformation.

Alshaibani stated, "Tourism has a unique opportunity to lead in advancing sustainable development." He emphasized that through STGC, Saudi Arabia is committed to fostering a tourism sector that positively impacts the environment and strengthens local communities. The initiatives aim to empower governments, businesses, and communities to take bold steps toward sustainability.

The Ministerial Meeting on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism was hosted by COP29 Presidency alongside UN Tourism, Azerbaijan's State Tourism Agency, and UNEP. It brought together ministers and officials from over 30 countries to discuss aligning tourism policies with climate action. Both events highlighted STGC’s mission as a multi-country organization dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism practices.

STGC, launched by Saudi Arabia and headquartered in Riyadh, aims to unite governments, industry leaders, academia, and civil society. Its goal is to address tourism's environmental impact while protecting biodiversity and supporting communities reliant on tourism. Alshaibani underscored the need for comprehensive actions that drive measurable improvements across the sector.

During discussions, Alshaibani showcased several projects under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 agenda that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable tourism. NEOM, a zero-carbon megacity with 95% of its land reserved for nature; Red Sea Global’s pledge for carbon neutrality; and King Salman International Airport designed to meet LEED Platinum standards were highlighted as examples of prioritizing sustainability.

"These projects show what can be achieved when sustainability is prioritized in tourism and infrastructure development," said Alshaibani. The Kingdom is setting new benchmarks for sustainable tourism through these initiatives.

Global Collaboration for Sustainability

Saudi Arabia's efforts through STGC extend beyond domestic projects with a vision to unify global stakeholders in creating a sustainable tourism sector. Launched by HRH the Crown Prince, STGC serves as a platform to track progress toward sustainable practices while fostering environmental stewardship. It offers resources and partnerships to reduce tourism's environmental impact globally.

Alshaibani also noted the broader economic impact of sustainable tourism. He highlighted that such practices are crucial not only for environmental preservation but also for economic resilience and job creation. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, global tourism is projected to contribute $11.1 trillion to the economy in 2024.

The Future of Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism supports inclusive growth as small and medium enterprises make up 80% of the sector with women representing around 40% of its workforce. STGC seeks collaboration with governments, businesses, academia, and civil society worldwide. "The stakes have never been higher," remarked Alshaibani. "Our collective actions today will shape the future of tourism."

STGC stands ready to support innovation and leadership in achieving Sustainable Development Goals within the global tourism sector.

With inputs from SPA