Saudi Arabia prioritizes people, planet, and prosperity at World Tourism Day event

Saudi Arabia has swiftly transformed into a prominent tourism destination since launching its convenient e-visa system and introducing many luxury, heritage, and adventure attractions. Given these rapid advancements, the Kingdom should be chosen to host events commemorating World Tourism Day 2023 on September 27, a date set by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to highlight the tourism sector's role in bridging cultural divides.

The two-day event in Riyadh will delve into the sector's challenges and prospects, keeping in line with UNWTO's central tenets of "people, planet, and prosperity." As the chair of UNWTO's executive council for the year and the location of its inaugural regional office in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia holds a pivotal role in promoting regional tourism.

Over 500 officials will converge with experts and industry pioneers from 120 nations to discuss the sector's post-COVID-19 resurgence and evolving focus on environmental and societal sustainability.
Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism, articulated the sector's significance: "Tourism not only spurs mutual understanding and bridges cultural divides, but it also champions environmental and cultural preservation, leading to a harmonious global community. World Tourism Day 2023 offers a stage to celebrate our achievements and tackle our challenges. We're thrilled to host this prestigious event in Riyadh."

Organizers consider this year's celebration the grandest in the event's 43-year history. Eminent speakers, including UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and other global leaders, will share their insights.
Highlighting the event's essence, Pololikashvili remarked, "On this World Tourism Day, our emphasis is on cultivating a more sustainable sector that champions people, planet, and prosperity. The Saudi Arabian festivities embody the transformative power of tourism in bolstering economies and fostering inclusive growth."

Underpinning the Kingdom's tourism surge is the Vision 2030 initiative, aiming for the sector to constitute 10% of Saudi Arabia's GDP by 2030, resulting in 1.6 million job opportunities. As per the World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism is projected to infuse $9.5 trillion into the world GDP this year.

The UNWTO forecasts an optimistic rebound of the tourism industry, with estimates suggesting a revival close to pre-pandemic figures this year and surpassing those numbers by 2024. This resurgence bodes well for established and emerging tourist destinations, underscoring tourism's dual role in economic stimulus and fostering intercultural relations.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the sector's potential, "Tourism embodies progress and mutual appreciation. For its benefits to be fully realized, we must champion and safeguard it. As we commemorate World Tourism Day, we focus on green initiatives that ensure a sustainable tourism sector, benefiting both people and the planet. Investing in sustainable tourism means investing in a brighter tomorrow for everyone."