Saudi Arabia's Tourism Sector Boasts 45% Female Workforce, Says Vice Minister

In a significant announcement made during the 'Creating a Future-proof Workforce in the Tourism Industry and Beyond' dialogue session at the Human Capacity Initiative Conference in Riyadh, Vice Minister of Tourism Princess Haifa bint Mohammed bin Saud bin Khalid revealed that the tourism sector currently employs 925,000 individuals, with an impressive 45% being women. This session, which saw the participation of notable figures such as Dr. Christina Yan Zhang, CEO of the Metaverse Institute; Alistair Gosling, founder and CEO of EXTREME International; Hanin Al-Subaie, founder of the Darent application; and Mohammed Al-Mulhim, founder of Pangea Tourism and Adventure Company, focused on empowering human capital and enhancing skills for the evolving demands of the future.

Princess Haifa emphasized the transformative impact of technology on global employment, citing a World Economic Forum report that predicts 33% of global jobs will undergo changes due to technological advancements. She highlighted the critical role of technology in the tourism sector, noting its potential to open new avenues and necessitate reskilling. The vice minister underscored the importance of investing in technology to foster development within the sector, including leveraging data science for informed decision-making.

The dialogue session also shed light on how cities worldwide are striving to enhance their tourism sectors through innovative tools and technologies. The speakers discussed the convergence of virtual reality with real-world experiences and the importance of preparing for future opportunities by cultivating technical skills. They stressed the need for proficient technicians capable of harnessing modern technologies to improve human lives.

The insights shared during this session underscore a collective vision for a technologically adept workforce capable of propelling the tourism industry forward. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in human capital within this sector, the emphasis on women's participation and technological adaptation sets a promising trajectory for sustainable growth and innovation.

--SPA
18:25 Local Time 15:25 GMT
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With inputs from SPA