The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh from November 7 to 11, marking the 50th anniversary of the United Nations’ specialized agency for tourism.
The gathering, themed “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future,” will bring together representatives from more than 160 member states, international organizations, and global industry leaders to shape the future of tourism in an increasingly digital world.
The session will be the first time a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country hosts a UN agency’s general assembly. The event underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global tourism hub and as a convener of international dialogue on sustainable tourism development. The Kingdom’s Ministry of Tourism will lead the organization of the event, aiming to promote collaboration, innovation, and shared strategies to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through tourism.
AI and Sustainability at the Center of Global Tourism Dialogue
According to Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb, the assembly represents a milestone moment for the global tourism community. “We look forward to hosting the world’s leading organization for tourism in a session that will redefine global action in this increasingly vital sector and beyond,” said Al Khateeb.
The 26th session’s theme focuses on harnessing artificial intelligence to enhance sustainability, improve visitor experiences, and support inclusive economic growth. “This adds to the significance of this session and underscores the global vote of confidence given to Saudi Arabia as a convener and a trusted platform for international dialogue on tourism,” said Al Khateeb. “Our mission—as hosts—is to bring the world together, unite views, and foster international cooperation that capitalizes on the growing tourism industry to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.”
He added that the Kingdom “firmly believes in the transformative power of tourism and its potential to enable comprehensive, sustainable development across economies and communities. This impact is evidenced by our own journey of unlocking the full potential of tourism and transforming the sector into a key driver of economic growth and diversification and an enabler of Saudi Vision 2030.”
The General Assembly’s agenda will include four plenary sessions, specialized committee meetings, and a thematic session on the future of tourism in an AI-powered era. Delegates will also elect the next UN Tourism Secretary-General, a key leadership position guiding global tourism policy and coordination. Additionally, the 124th and 125th sessions of the organization’s Executive Council will be held alongside the assembly.
Riyadh as a Global Tourism Platform
The upcoming assembly in Riyadh will coincide with UN Tourism’s 50th anniversary, marking five decades of international cooperation in travel and tourism. Since its establishment in 1975, the agency has grown to include more than 160 member states, with a mission to promote responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. The event in Saudi Arabia will celebrate this milestone while looking forward to the next half-century of challenges and opportunities for the industry.
Hosting the UN Tourism General Assembly reinforces Riyadh’s expanding profile as a center for global events and policy dialogue. The city has increasingly positioned itself as a venue for international conferences, particularly in sectors tied to innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification. The government’s tourism strategy is part of Saudi Vision 2030, a national plan aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on oil and developing new growth sectors, including tourism, culture, and entertainment.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia reported record tourism growth, driven by new visa initiatives, large-scale infrastructure projects, and international partnerships. The Kingdom’s tourism development strategy includes multi-billion-dollar investments in destinations such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and AlUla, designed to attract both leisure and business travelers while preserving natural and cultural heritage.
Launch of TOURISE Summit to Follow Assembly
Immediately after the General Assembly, Saudi Arabia will host the inaugural TOURISE Summit from November 11 to 13 in Riyadh. The new global platform aims to bring together leaders from the public and private sectors in tourism, technology, investment, sustainability, and culture. Participants will focus on addressing global challenges, identifying new opportunities, and setting a forward-looking agenda for a sustainable tourism industry.
The TOURISE Summit is expected to serve as a bridge between policy discussions and practical collaboration, positioning Riyadh as a venue for continued dialogue beyond the UN Tourism event. The initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s efforts to foster global partnerships that drive innovation and investment in the travel sector.
By hosting both the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly and the first TOURISE Summit, Saudi Arabia is signaling its ambition to be a global tourism powerhouse. The dual events highlight the Kingdom’s expanding influence in shaping international tourism policy, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging technology-driven transformation across the sector.
The meetings in Riyadh come at a critical juncture for the global tourism industry, which is navigating rapid technological change, evolving traveler expectations, and the ongoing challenge of sustainability. As tourism recovers from pandemic-related disruptions, discussions in the Saudi capital are expected to set the tone for a more resilient, inclusive, and innovative global travel economy.
Through these initiatives, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself not only as a major tourism destination but also as a key player in international tourism governance. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and cross-sectoral cooperation, the Kingdom aims to help define the next chapter of global tourism for decades to come.
