-NewsDesk(cbedit@imaws.org)
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) announced that Saudi Arabia will host the 26th General Assembly in 2025 during the 25th General Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from October 16-20, 2023. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a prominent member of the General Assembly, plays a pivotal role on the international stage.
As a distinguished member of the General Assembly, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia now prepares to host the 26th General Assembly in 2025. The General Assembly, established in 1975, features representatives from 159 Member States, private sector stakeholders, and non-governmental organizations and serves as the governing body of the UNWTO.
HE Ahmed Al-Khatib, the Minister of Tourism, expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Highness the Crown Prince for their steadfast support of the Kingdom’s tourism sector. Hosting the 26th General Assembly underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leading global tourism toward a more collaborative future. It also highlights the Kingdom’s significant achievements as it took leadership of the Executive Council in 2023.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 26th General Assembly in 2025 will be a momentous celebration with various activities aimed at raising awareness of tourism’s role in promoting sustainable development and global peace. It will provide an opportunity for the Kingdom to showcase its unparalleled tourism and cultural developments and strengthen international cooperation in this vital sector, including initiatives like the Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality and the upcoming Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC). The UNWTO has also established its first regional center for the Middle East in the Kingdom. Upcoming mega-projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, the Qiddiya entertainment destination, and historical Diriyah further solidify Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global tourism growth.
During the 25th General Assembly in Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia hosted a dinner party, introducing ministers and dignitaries to the diverse experiences that Member States can look forward to during their visit in 2025.
Saudi Arabia’s dedication to global tourism extends beyond event hosting. The Kingdom actively contributes to reshaping and advancing the global tourism landscape, emphasizing sustainable and responsible tourism. The Kingdom’s vision aligns with its aspirations to host Expo 2030, uniting all under a shared heritage and nurturing dreams of a brighter future.
Recognizing the tourism sector’s potential as a catalyst for change, innovation, and prosperity, Saudi Arabia is deeply committed to supporting a global tourism sector that is both sustainable and prosperous, reinforcing its role as a leader in the industry.
