Saudi Arabia Elected Deputy Head of Arab Transport Ministers Executive Office
The Council of Arab Transport Ministers has elected the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the Deputy to the Executive Office during its 36th session for the years 2023-2025.
Arab Transport Council Welcome Saudi Arabia
The council welcomed the Kingdom’s involvement in the agreement regulating passenger transportation on roads among Arab countries, and in the steps taken to ratify the agreement regulating goods transportation on land between Arab countries.
UNWTO Executive Council’s 120th Session
The Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recently endorsed the re-election of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the council’s president for 2024, during its 120th session in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Saudi Arabia’s Efforts in 2023
Minister of Tourism and UNWTO Executive Council Chairman, Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, highlighted the Kingdom’s collaborative and innovative efforts during its initial presidency in 2023. He mentioned the collective endeavor to envision a resilient tourism sector, and the eagerness to extend this leadership into 2024. Al-Khateeb acknowledged the aspirations of member nations and emphasized the determination to realize the objectives ensuring continued economic, cultural, and humanitarian exchanges through tourism.
Backing from the Kingdom’s Authorities
He particularly noted the substantial backing by the Kingdom’s authorities for the tourism sector, extending beyond local endeavors to significant global initiatives promoting sustainable development.
Launch of the Sustainable Tourism Global Center
One notable venture is the establishment of the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC), unveiled by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during the Saudi Green Initiative in October 2021. The center aims to offer best practices catering to the sector’s demands, encompassing major multinational firms alongside micro, small, and medium enterprises which make up 80% of the sector.
International Research Center Initiative
A recent announcement also highlighted the initiation of an international research center, envisioned as a paramount reference entity for research, to hasten the travel and tourism sector’s move towards climate neutrality.
Reflecting on Achievements
Al-Khateeb attributed the exceptional achievements in the tourism sector during the Kingdom’s 2023 presidency to a well-orchestrated plan prioritizing global cooperation, laying the groundwork for pioneering initiatives redefining the sector.
