Saudi Arabia Chairs 122nd UN Tourism Executive Council Meeting in Colombia

Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb has chaired Saudi Arabia’s delegation participating in the 122nd session of the UN Tourism Executive Council, held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, from 13-15 November.

 At this session, Saudi Arabia concluded its chairmanship of the Executive Council, which lasted two years.

 During this period, Saudi Arabia strived to enhance global tourism growth, witnessing the establishment of a comprehensive development program prioritizing investments, education, youth empowerment, and sustainability in the sector.

 This approach has yielded positive economic results and made significant societal influence on the global tourism sector.

 Al Khateeb, Chairman of the Executive Council, opened the session by reaffirming the call for mutual cooperation among council members.

 In his speech, Al Khateeb stated, “this gathering once again reaffirms our shared vision for the continuous prosperity of global tourism.” He added that the session emphasizes the need for innovative models to sustain the sector, create investment opportunities, and support strategic partnerships.

 With the conclusion of the Kingdom’s chairmanship of the council, Al Khateeb said, “As we pass the responsibility to the next chair, we hope that momentum will continue through forward-thinking policies, investments, and global cooperation.”

 During the Kingdom’s tenure as chair of the council, tourism emerged as a vital engine for global economic growth expected to contribute 10% to the global GDP with an annual spending of US$11 trillion in 2024.

 This contribution is anticipated to rise, supported by increased air connectivity, post-pandemic demand, and the expansion of the middle-class tourist base in emerging markets.