Saudi Arabia, chaired by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb, concluded its two-year chairmanship of the 122nd session of the UN Tourism Executive Council, held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, from November 13-15, 2024. The session, which brought together global tourism leaders, underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and advancing sustainable tourism development worldwide.
Context and Background
The UN Tourism Executive Council is a key governance body within the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), responsible for ensuring the organization’s effective management and strategic direction. Saudi Arabia’s chairmanship, which began in 2022, marked a period of significant global tourism transformation, including recovery from the pandemic and the implementation of innovative sector policies. The Kingdom’s leadership role reflects its growing influence in international tourism and its dedication to Vision 2030 goals, which prioritize economic diversification and global engagement.
Key Details
During the session, Minister Al Khateeb reaffirmed the importance of mutual cooperation among council members. In his address, he stated, “this gathering once again reaffirms our shared vision for the continuous prosperity of global tourism.” He emphasized the need for innovative models to sustain the sector, create investment opportunities, and support strategic partnerships. The Kingdom’s tenure saw the establishment of a comprehensive development program focusing on investments, education, youth empowerment, and sustainability, yielding positive economic results and significant societal impact on global tourism.
Implications and International Impact
Saudi Arabia’s leadership of the council highlighted tourism 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 projected to rise, supported by increased air connectivity, post-pandemic demand, and the expansion of the middle-class tourist base in emerging markets. The Kingdom’s efforts have strengthened international partnerships and set a precedent for collaborative tourism governance, benefiting both member states and the global community.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The successful conclusion of Saudi Arabia’s chairmanship aligns seamlessly with Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and establish it as a leading global tourism destination. By championing sustainable practices, youth empowerment, and investment in tourism infrastructure, Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate its commitment to achieving the Vision’s objectives, fostering long-term economic growth, and enhancing its role as a responsible global partner. The momentum gained during this tenure is expected to drive further progress in international tourism cooperation and development.
20 Questions
Q1. What was the 122nd UN Tourism Executive Council session?
A1. It was a meeting of the UN World Tourism Organization’s Executive Council, held in Cartagena, Colombia, from November 13-15, 2024, to discuss global tourism strategies and governance.
Q2. Who led Saudi Arabia’s delegation at the session?
A2. Saudi Arabia’s delegation was led by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb, who also served as Chairman of the Executive Council.
Q3. How long did Saudi Arabia chair the Executive Council?
A3. Saudi Arabia chaired the Executive Council for two years, concluding its term at the 122nd session in November 2024.
Q4. What was the main focus of Saudi Arabia’s chairmanship?
A4. The focus was on enhancing global tourism growth through investments, education, youth empowerment, and sustainability initiatives.
Q5. What did Minister Al Khateeb emphasize in his opening speech?
A5. He emphasized mutual cooperation among council members and the need for innovative models to sustain tourism and create investment opportunities.
Q6. What global tourism economic contribution was highlighted?
A6. Tourism is expected to contribute 10% to global GDP with annual spending of US$11 trillion in 2024.
Q7. What factors support the rise in tourism contribution?
A7. Increased air connectivity, post-pandemic demand, and expansion of middle-class tourists in emerging markets support this rise.
Q8. What program did Saudi Arabia establish during its tenure?
A8. A comprehensive development program focusing on investments, education, youth empowerment, and sustainability.
Q9. How did Saudi Arabia’s chairmanship impact global tourism?
A9. It resulted in positive economic results and significant societal influence on the global tourism sector.
Q10. What is the role of the UN Tourism Executive Council?
A10. It ensures effective management and strategic direction of the UN World Tourism Organization.
Q11. Why is Saudi Arabia’s chairmanship significant?
A11. It reflects the Kingdom’s growing influence in global tourism and commitment to Vision 2030 economic diversification.
Q12. What message did Al Khateeb pass to the next chair?
A12. He expressed hope that momentum would continue through forward-thinking policies, investments, and global cooperation.
Q13. How does this align with Saudi Arabia’s sustainable tourism goals?
A13. The focus on sustainability during the chairmanship directly supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives for responsible tourism.
Q14. What international partnerships were strengthened?
A14. Partnerships among UNWTO member states were strengthened through collaborative governance and shared strategies.
Q15. Was the session open to the public?
A15. No, it was a closed session for member state representatives of the UN Tourism Executive Council.
Q16. What is the expected global tourism spending in 2024?
A16. Annual spending is expected to be US$11 trillion, contributing 10% to global GDP.
Q17. How does youth empowerment feature in Saudi Arabia’s strategy?
A17. Youth empowerment was a key pillar of the comprehensive development program, supporting skills development and job creation in tourism.
Q18. What is the significance of Cartagena as a venue?
A18. Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provided a symbolic setting highlighting cultural tourism and international collaboration.
Q19. Will Saudi Arabia continue to engage with UN Tourism?
A19. Yes, Saudi Arabia remains an active member of the UN World Tourism Organization, committed to global tourism development.
Q20. What is the long-term benefit of Saudi Arabia’s chairmanship?
A20. It established a framework for sustainable tourism growth and reinforced the Kingdom’s role as a global leader in the sector.
Reader Feedback
We value your thoughts. Please share your feedback on this article.
Your feedback helps us improve our coverage.