The UN Tourism General Assembly has launched its 26th session in Riyadh, convening tourism leaders from around the globe, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Hosted by the Saudi Tourism Ministry, the event marks a historic first for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, as it hosts the largest General Assembly in the organization’s 50-year history.
UN Tourism General Assembly
Under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future,” the UN Tourism General Assembly takes place from November 7-11, 2025, bringing together ministers and senior officials from 160 member states, as well as industry leaders and international organizations.
In addition to celebrating the 50th anniversary of the UN Tourism, the 26th session explores the role of innovation, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation in accelerating sustainable, inclusive growth and deepening international cooperation in tourism in the coming decades.
Innovation in Tourism
On this occasion, the Saudi Tourism Minister, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, celebrated the event. “This week marks a defining moment for our industry — a chance to shape how tourism grows in the decades ahead through stronger connectivity, greater sustainability, deeper investment in human capital, and innovation powered by AI,” he said.
A warm welcome to Riyadh! 🇸🇦
H.E. @AhmedAlKhateeb, Minister of Tourism, opens the 45th plenary session of UN Tourism Affiliate Members — bringing governments and the private sector together to shape the future of global tourism.#UNTourismGA @UNWTO pic.twitter.com/rA7T4xEAEu
— وزارة السياحة (@Saudi_MT) November 7, 2025
“Tourism is one of the world’s most powerful forces for prosperity and understanding — creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and connecting cultures. Guided by Vision 2030, the Kingdom is committed to ensuring that this growth continues to drive opportunity and inclusion — and to welcoming the world with the spirit of Saudi hospitality that defines who we are,” he added.
A Driver of Transformation
Meanwhile, the UN Tourism Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, highlighted the session’s goals. “Over the next few days, first with the meeting of our diverse and dynamic Affiliate Members, and then with the sessions of our General Assembly, Riyadh will showcase the power of tourism as a driver of transformation, modernization, and opportunity.
“Together, we can harness the power of technology to drive positive change, diversify our economies, and create jobs for many millions of people everywhere,” he noted.
Productive Collaboration
Hosting the UN Tourism General Assembly underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing tourism and fostering global dialogue. It also highlights Riyadh’s status as a major host of global events.
Moreover, by hosting the 26th General Assembly, Saudi Arabia is leading the global drive for growth, sustainability, and multilateral cooperation under UN Tourism.
The Kingdom’s robust, longstanding partnership with the UN agency has produced several historic milestones. These include the opening of UN Tourism’s first Middle East regional office in Riyadh, and Saudi Arabia’s influential two-term chairmanship of the Executive Council in 2023 and 2024.
