Cartagena (UNA/SPA) - Minister of Tourism Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb headed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's delegation participating in the 122nd meeting of the Executive Council of the United Nations Tourism Organization, which was held from 13-15 November in the city of Cartagena, Colombia, where the Kingdom concluded its two-year presidency of the Executive Council during this session.
During its presidency of the Council, the Kingdom worked to continue to enhance the growth of global tourism. Under the Kingdom’s leadership, a general development program was established that prioritizes investments, education, youth empowerment, and sustainability in the sector. This approach has led to positive economic results and an effective societal impact for the tourism sector globally.
With the conclusion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s presidency, the Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Executive Council of the United Nations Tourism Organization opened the session by calling for joint cooperation between the Council members.
“This gathering reaffirmed our shared vision for the continued prosperity of global tourism, and highlighted the need for innovative models to sustain the sector, create investment opportunities, and support strategic partnerships. As we pass the buck to the next President, we hope the momentum will continue through forward-thinking policies, investments and global cooperation,” he said.
Tourism has also emerged during the Kingdom’s presidency as a vital driver of global economic growth, and is expected to contribute 10% to global GDP with annual spending of $11 trillion in 2024. This contribution is expected to rise, supported by increased air connectivity, post-pandemic demand, and the expansion of the middle-class tourism base in emerging markets.
In addition to its economic impacts, tourism is an integral part of sustainable development and job creation, supporting 350 million jobs worldwide and providing pathways to economic mobility for youth, women and rural communities. The sector’s holistic approach also promotes cultural exchange and understanding between diverse cultures, with 1.5 billion international tourists expected by the end of 2024.
During the Council session, the Minister of Tourism and the Minister of Tourism in Zambia witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism in Zambia, to cooperate in the fields of training and developing human capital, exchanging expertise in the field of tourism statistics, organizing tourism events and festivals, and planning for sustainable tourism development.
Minister Al-Khatib also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts, the Ministers of Tourism of Colombia, Zambia, South Africa and Brazil. These meetings affirmed the firm commitment to strengthening international cooperation and promoting collective progress in the tourism sector.
The Kingdom’s presidency of the Executive Council has supported deeper and broader engagement across the world’s tourism hubs, and UNWTO has seen significant regional expansion with the establishment of the Regional Office for the Americas in Brazil and the Regional Office for Africa in Morocco, as well as the establishment of the Observatory of Tourism Movement in Latin America and the Caribbean in Uruguay and the Silk Road Tourism Office in Uzbekistan.
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