The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has announced the selection of Saudi Arabia to host the 26th session of its General Assembly in 2025.
It would be the first General Assembly to be held in the Kingdom at the UN level. The announcement came during the participation of Mr. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Minister of Tourism, in the 25th session of the UNWTO General Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from October 16 to 20.
Saudi Arabia, as a leading member of the UNWTO General Assembly, plays an important role that is further enhanced by its selection to host the 2025 session of the assembly.
The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the UNWTO. Established in 1975, the organization includes more than 159 member states and representatives from the private sector and non-governmental organizations. Saudi Arabia is determined to reshape the global tourism scene, Al-Khateeb said, noting that the hosting of the 26th UNWTO General Assembly will be a great marking of this achievement.
The Minister said that the General Assembly session in Saudi Arabia will feature a variety of activities aimed at raising awareness of the role of tourism in promoting sustainable development and peace in the world. This session will also provide an opportunity for the Kingdom to display its tourism and cultural developments and enhance international cooperation in this important sector.
The hosting of the session reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leading the global tourism sector towards a brighter and more cooperative future. The session also comes amid the significant achievements made during the Kingdom’s chairmanship of UNWTO’s Executive Council in 2023. The Executive Council this year outlined a clear and comprehensive roadmap aimed at supporting global cooperation and pioneering initiatives, Mr. Al-Khateeb further added.
