Saudi Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb Advocates For Sustainable Tourism At WEF Urban Transformation Summit

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb, emphasised the importance of sustainable development in the travel and tourism sector. Speaking at the World Economic Forum Urban Transformation Summit in San Francisco, he highlighted sustainability as crucial for addressing challenges like overcrowding and environmental pressures. Al Khateeb stated that focusing on sustainability will prepare the sector for future growth.

Al Khateeb noted the rapid expansion of tourism and the increasing demand for sustainable experiences. He remarked, "We are seeing exponential growth in the tourism sector, and in parallel, we are seeing a rising demand for sustainable, enriching experiences. This provides us with the chance to reshape tourism while safeguarding the planet and driving positive change that benefits communities as well as economies, for future generations."

The minister stressed the need for a global community of industry leaders to collaborate on sustainable tourism solutions. He said forums like the WEF Urban Transformation Summit are vital for creating a positive future for tourism. Al Khateeb added that sharing best practices among city leaders and urban planners worldwide is essential to support smart, sustainable cities.

"Tourism and sustainability are key pillars of Saudi Arabia’s Future Saudi Cities Programme and remain a focus for our leaders," said Al Khateeb. He urged city leaders and experts to think about supporting tourism through sustainable urban planning. Strong public-private partnerships are also necessary to make tourism a driver of sustainable development.

Minister Al Khateeb participated in strategic discussions during the summit, including a session titled "Shaping the Future of Tourism" and an executive roundtable on "The Future of Travel and Tourism." These sessions aimed to explore innovative solutions for sustainable redevelopment in travel and tourism.

The fourth edition of the WEF Annual Urban Transformation Summit gathered 250 participants over two and a half days. The discussions covered various topics such as mobility transformation, innovation ecosystems, nature-positive infrastructure, and technology governance.

Al Khateeb highlighted that governments should incentivise private partners who prioritise sustainability. Encouraging these partnerships can transform tourism into a key driver of sustainable development. This approach aligns with Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering resilient cities through its Future Saudi Cities Programme.

The summit provided an opportunity for leaders to exchange ideas on how to integrate sustainability into urban planning effectively. By doing so, they aim to create environments that benefit both communities and economies while preserving natural resources for future generations.

With inputs from SPA