KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 (Bernama) — The 26th session of the United Nations (UN) Tourism General Assembly concluded with the adoption of the Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism, marking a major milestone in strengthening global cooperation in the sector for the next 50 years.
The Declaration reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in shaping the future of global tourism and highlights the Kingdom’s central position in driving industry-defining decisions.
It is designed as a shared roadmap for the next half-century, focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation through artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation.
The document underscores the need to enhance international cooperation, build resilience, and empower local communities to ensure that tourism continues to serve as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural understanding, and environmental protection worldwide.
Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb said the Riyadh Declaration represents a shift from commitments to tangible outcomes.
“From Riyadh, we move from declarations to delivery. The agreements signed here and the platforms we are launching will mobilise investment, upskill our people, digitise our SMEs, and protect culture and nature,” he said in a statement.
He added that as host of the UN Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East, Saudi Arabia would continue to facilitate partnerships and deliver measurable results to ensure tourism remains a bridge between nations and a driver of shared prosperity.
Ahmed said the declaration’s adoption also reflected the international community’s determination to unlock the full economic and social potential of tourism in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During the session, delegates ratified the appointment of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as the next UN Tourism Secretary-General, making her the first woman and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) national to lead the organisation. Her term begins in 2026.
The assembly also saw the official launch of TOURISE, a global initiative led by Saudi Arabia to enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors and accelerate innovation in tourism. The initiative aims to advance digital transformation, sustainable investment, and workforce development to equip the tourism industry for future challenges and opportunities.
— BERNAMA
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