Saudi Minister Of Tourism Ahmed Bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb Leads Kingdom's Delegation At G20 Meeting In Brazil

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism, Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, led the Kingdom's delegation at the G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting in Belem, Brazil. The event focused on "Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet," gathering global tourism leaders to discuss sustainable growth strategies. Al-Khateeb highlighted Saudi Arabia's commitment to transforming its tourism sector into a sustainable industry that fosters cultural exchange and strengthens international ties.

The meeting included representatives from G20 member states and 32 other countries and organizations. Discussions centered on finalizing the G20 Tourism Working Group's report, which outlines efforts to promote balanced growth in global tourism. Al-Khateeb engaged with key tourism leaders, including ministers from Brazil, Italy, India, Spain, Japan, and UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

Saudi Arabia has prioritized environmentally-friendly tourism projects as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. Flagship ventures include developments in Diriyah and NEOM. The Kingdom also established the Sustainable Tourism Global Center to support sustainability efforts worldwide. These initiatives aim to enhance tourism connectivity and sustainability, reflecting Saudi Arabia's focus during its G20 presidency in 2020.

Al-Khateeb emphasized that Saudi Arabia's progress in tourism extends beyond economic benefits. It offers people worldwide the chance to experience the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage while allowing Saudis to explore global wonders. This approach aligns with Saudi Arabia's dedication to improving tourism connectivity and sustainability.

Saudi Arabia recently surpassed its goal of receiving 100 million tourists by 2030, achieving this milestone seven years early. This success is attributed to initiatives like adding new air routes, expanding airports, and launching an electronic visa system for easier access for international visitors. The Kingdom was recognized as the fastest-growing tourist destination among G20 countries.

International tourist arrivals in Saudi Arabia increased by over 121% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Last year, the sector created 925,000 jobs, with women filling 45% of these positions. These achievements underscore Saudi Arabia's growing prominence in global tourism.

Impact of COVID-19 on Tourism

On the sidelines of the meeting, Al-Khateeb participated in discussions organized by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). These talks coincided with a joint report release analyzing COVID-19's impact on global tourism, particularly job creation opportunities for youth and women. The dialogue involved public and private sector representatives focusing on recovery strategies.

The high-level event in Belem featured participation from various international organizations alongside G20 member states. Al-Khateeb held discussions with key figures such as WTTC President Julia Simpson about collaborative efforts to boost sustainable tourism growth globally.

The Kingdom continues to make significant strides in its tourism industry through strategic initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development while enhancing cultural exchanges worldwide.

With inputs from SPA