The 26th UN Tourism General Assembly kicked off in Riyadh

The 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly opened today in Riyadh, marking a historic first for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and the largest Assembly since UN Tourism was founded 50 years ago. Around 160 delegates from member countries including ministers, senior officials, and leaders from various industries and civil society gathered to celebrate five decades of international collaboration under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.”

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The Assembly is organized by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Tourism, with extensive cooperation and planning together with UN Tourism and various partners. This collaboration underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to advancing the industry and facilitating impactful dialogue on the global stage.

For half a century, UN Tourism has increased economic opportunity, cross-cultural understanding, and peace through travel. With the sector’s rapid digital transformation changing the way people discover, book and experience destinations, this year’s Assembly is focused on ensuring AI serves people and places that support jobs, small businesses, destination management and the Sustainable Development Goals.

In the coming days, delegates will participate in four plenary sessions, various meetings of seven special committees, and the 124th and 125th sessions of the Executive Council – the highest executive body of the organization. This agenda is designed to encourage discussion on how artificial intelligence and digital transformation can accelerate sustainable and inclusive growth and deepen international cooperation in tourism.

His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourismsaid: “Saudi Arabia proudly welcomes the world to the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly and celebrates 50 years of global cooperation and progress with UN Tourism. This week marks a watershed moment for our industry — an opportunity to shape tourism growth in the coming decades through stronger connectivity, better sustainability, greater investment in people and AI-powered innovation.

Tourism is one of the world’s most powerful forces for prosperity and understanding — creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and connecting cultures. Guided by Vision 2030, the Kingdom is committed to ensuring that this growth continues to drive opportunity and inclusion – and welcomes the world with a spirit of Saudi hospitality that reflects who we are.”

UN Tourism Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvilisaid: “The UN Tourism General Assembly brings together tourism leaders from around the world to set the agenda and build a more innovative and inclusive sector. Over the next few days, first with meetings of our diverse and dynamic Affiliate Members, and then with our General Assembly sessions, Riyadh will demonstrate the power of tourism, as a driver of transformation, modernization and opportunity. Together, we can harness the power of technology to drive positive change, diversify our economies and create jobs for millions of people everywhere.”

With the inaugural meeting taking place today, Riyadh is ready to welcome the world, with state-of-the-art venues and a dynamic hospitality sector that reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global engagement and excellence.

As host of the 26th General Assembly session, Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of efforts to promote growth, sustainability and multilateral cooperation under the UN Tourism umbrella. The Kingdom’s long-term partnership with the UN agency is characterized by active engagement, impactful joint initiatives and milestones including the opening of UN Tourism’s first Middle East regional office in Riyadh and the chairmanship of Saudi Arabia’s Executive Council for two terms in 2023 and 2024.

About the Ministry of Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism is leading the development of the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Its mission is to drive the growth of the Kingdom’s rapidly growing tourism industry, support the diversification of the national economy and position the Kingdom as a global tourism destination. The Ministry unlocks the sector’s potential by crafting innovative policies and regulations, fostering an attractive investment environment, empowering the private sector, and training local talent to innovate, lead, and reimagine Saudi tourism.

About UN Tourism

The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is the UN’s specialized agency for responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. Working together with its 160 Member States, 6 Associate Members and more than 500 Affiliate Members, UN Tourism seeks to position tourism as a key driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability.

About UNTGA

The General Assembly is the main meeting of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism).

This body meets every two years to approve the budget and work program and discuss topics of particular importance to the tourism sector. Every four years it elects a Secretary General. The General Assembly consists of Full Members and Associate Members. Affiliate members and representatives of other international organizations participate as observers.

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