The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly from 7 to 11 November. This significant gathering will center around “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future” while also commemorating five decades of working under the auspices of the United Nations’ tourism agency.

Represented by its Ministry of Tourism, Saudi Arabia aims to gather over 160 member nations, international organizations, and leaders from the global industry to foster discussions aimed at ensuring a sustainable and promising future for tourism.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb, extended a warm invitation to the world to experience this remarkable moment for global tourism diplomacy: “We look forward to hosting the world’s leading organization for tourism in a session that will redefine global action in this increasingly vital sector and beyond.”

Saudi Arabia as a Hub for International Dialogue
As the first country in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to host a UN agency’s general assembly, Minister Al Khateeb commented: “This adds to the significance of this session and underscores the global confidence in Saudi Arabia as a trusted platform for international discussions on tourism. Our role as hosts is to unite diverse perspectives and promote cooperation in leveraging the growth of the tourism industry toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals.”

“The Kingdom firmly believes in tourism’s transformative power and its ability to drive sustainable development across economies and communities. Our journey of unlocking tourism’s full potential exemplifies its essential role in economic growth and diversification, as well as its alignment with Saudi Vision 2030,” Al Khateeb remarked.

The agenda for this 26th session will feature four General Assembly plenaries, committee meetings focusing on the future of tourism in an AI-driven world, and the election of a new UN Tourism Secretary-General. It will also include sessions of the Executive Council, the organization’s top governing body.

TOURISE Summit
Immediately following the UN Tourism General Assembly, Saudi Arabia will launch the inaugural TOURISE Summit from November 11-13. This summit represents a new global platform that will convene leaders from both public and private sectors in fields such as tourism, technology, investment, sustainability, and cultural exchange, addressing global challenges and seizing opportunities within the travel and tourism sector while ensuring it remains sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking.

By hosting this prestigious UN agency and introducing the TOURISE Summit, Saudi Arabia is solidifying its role as a central hub for international dialogue and cooperation in tourism, emerging as a significant player in the global tourism landscape.