Riyadh to Host 26th UN Tourism General Assembly as Organization Marks 50 Years of Global Impact
By Tanveer Ahmed :
As the United Nations tourism body commemorates its 50th anniversary, global attention is shifting to Riyadh, which will host the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly from 7–11 November 2025. The landmark gathering will take place at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Hotel and is expected to bring together ministers, senior policymakers, and private-sector leaders from more than 160 member states—making it one of the largest assemblies in the organization’s history.
For Saudi Arabia, hosting the General Assembly is not merely ceremonial. It reflects the Kingdom’s growing influence in global tourism governance and its ambition to shape the industry’s next phase under Vision 2030.
A Milestone Assembly at a Transformative Time
The 26th session comes at a pivotal moment for global tourism. The sector is undergoing structural shifts driven by artificial intelligence, sustainability imperatives, digital ecosystems, and the demand for more inclusive economic growth. The theme, “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future,” underscores how technology is rapidly reshaping destination management, traveller experiences, marketing strategies, and investment models.
Discussions during the five-day programme will centre on artificial intelligence integration, climate-resilient tourism planning, smart destinations, workforce upskilling, and sustainable financing frameworks. Delegates are also expected to review global recovery trends, innovation benchmarks, and long-term policy roadmaps to strengthen tourism’s resilience against geopolitical, environmental, and economic disruptions.
Saudi Arabia’s Expanding Role in Global Tourism
H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, has described hosting the General Assembly as both a privilege and a responsibility. As the first individual to hold the ministerial tourism portfolio in the Kingdom, Al Khateeb has overseen sweeping reforms aimed at opening Saudi Arabia to international visitors, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and accelerating private-sector participation.
He chairs the Tourism Development Council, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and the Tourism Development Fund, and also serves on the boards of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), NEOM, and Red Sea Global. With more than three decades of experience in finance and investment, he has played a key role in institutional transformation initiatives aligned with Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth trajectory has been notable. In 2024, the Kingdom recorded 116 million domestic and international visitors, generating approximately USD 75 billion in tourism expenditure and supporting close to one million jobs. Tourism now represents a central pillar of Vision 2030, with targets to attract 150 million visitors annually by the end of the decade and raise the sector’s GDP contribution to 10 percent.
Riyadh’s Emergence as a Global Tourism Platform
Riyadh’s rapid transformation has positioned it as a leading hub for international dialogue. The capital has hosted major industry events, including the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit and the Future Hospitality Summit, reflecting its growing relevance in shaping travel policy and investment conversations.
Luxury hospitality development has paralleled this rise, with internationally renowned brands establishing a presence in the city. Large-scale infrastructure upgrades, expanded aviation capacity, and urban revitalisation projects have further enhanced Riyadh’s profile as both a business and leisure destination.
Leadership and Institutional Momentum
The Assembly will convene under the leadership of Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UN tourism body, who has acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s active role in advancing innovation, education, and community-focused tourism initiatives within the organization’s framework.
The event will also spotlight the inauguration of a new Global Tourism Innovation Hub, designed to connect startups, investors, policymakers, and destination managers. The initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of AI tools, digital platforms, and sustainability technologies across member states, particularly in emerging markets.
Supporting the Kingdom’s tourism transformation is Her Highness Haifa bint Mohammed Al Saud, Vice Minister of Tourism. She has been instrumental in implementing the National Tourism Strategy and strengthening governance structures across the sector. Her board roles span major development initiatives, including Qiddiya Investment Company and Riyadh Air, reinforcing tourism’s integration with broader economic and quality-of-life programmes.
A Broader Vision Beyond the Assembly
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the General Assembly aligns with its investment in large-scale destination projects such as NEOM, Diriyah, The Red Sea, and AlUla. Each initiative represents a distinct approach to sustainable tourism development ranging from regenerative coastal tourism and heritage preservation to futuristic urban design and experiential travel.
The Riyadh assembly is expected to deliver ministerial declarations, policy resolutions, and collaborative agreements that will shape the sector’s direction in the coming years. Emphasis will likely be placed on balancing growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring equitable community benefits, and leveraging technology to enhance transparency and efficiency.
A Defining Chapter in Global Tourism
The 50th anniversary of the UN tourism body serves as a reminder of tourism’s enduring power to connect cultures, foster economic opportunity, and promote mutual understanding. By hosting the 26th General Assembly, Saudi Arabia positions itself at the centre of that global dialogue bridging tradition with innovation and regional ambition with international cooperation.
As delegates gather in Riyadh this November, the event will symbolize more than an anniversary. It will mark a forward-looking commitment to shaping a smarter, more sustainable, and more inclusive future for global travel.
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