Al-Khateeb: Tourism emerged as vital driver of global economic growth during Kingdom’s presidency of UNWTO

Saudi Gazette report

CARTAGENA — Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said that tourism has emerged as a vital driver of global economic growth during the Kingdom’s presidency of the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). “Under the Kingdom’s presidency, tourism is expected to contribute 10 percent 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,” he said while opening the 122nd session of the Executive Council, which is being held from 13 to 15 November in the city of Cartagena, Colombia. During this session, Saudi Arabia will conclude its two-year presidency of the Executive Council.

During its presidency of the Council, Saudi Arabia worked to continue to enhance the growth of global tourism. During this period, 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.

Al-Khateeb opened the session by calling for joint cooperation between the members of the Council. “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 responsibility to the next president, we hope the momentum will continue through forward-thinking policies, investments, and global cooperation,” he said.

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 comprehensive 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’s session, Al-Khateeb and his Zambian counterpart witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the ministries of the two countries to cooperate in the areas 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.

Al-Khateeb also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts of Colombia, Zambia, South Africa and Brazil, and 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.