Riyadh: Kuwaiti Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi led Kuwait's delegation attending the 26th session of the United Nations Tourism General Assembly, held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The event saw participation from representatives of over 150 countries, as well as international organizations and global tourism experts, all gathered to discuss the future of tourism.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the opening ceremony featured a speech by Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmad Al-Khateeb, who conveyed greetings from King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. Al-Khateeb welcomed participants to Riyadh, highlighting the significance of hosting such a major global event in the Gulf region for the first time. He stressed the importance of Saudi Arabia's role in the international tourism sector and announced a program designed to reflect shared global interests and bolster the world economy.
The program includes General Assembly sessions and special events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the organization's founding. Al-Khateeb emphasized the participation of over 150 countries as a testament to the elevated status of tourism and its role in advancing development goals globally. He noted the transformative impact of tourism, which contributes USD 11 trillion to the global economy and supports more than 357 million jobs.
Further discussing the future of tourism, Al-Khateeb highlighted the integration of artificial intelligence and innovation in the sector, with a focus on empowering women and enhancing sustainability through public-private collaboration. He underscored tourism as a key pillar of the global economy and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to leading advancements within the industry.