October 20, 2023 - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
In a historic moment, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has announced that Saudi Arabia will host the 26th session of its General Assembly in 2025, marking a significant milestone as it becomes the first General Assembly to be hosted in the Kingdom at the UN level.
The announcement was made during the 25th session of the UNWTO General Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from October 16 to 20, where Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, was a prominent participant.
Saudi Arabia, a distinguished member of the UNWTO General Assembly, has always played a vital role within the organization, a role that has been further accentuated by its selection as the host for the 2025 session of the assembly.
The General Assembly serves as the highest decision-making body of the UNWTO and has been a pivotal platform since its establishment in 1975, bringing together over 159 member states, as well as representatives from the private sector and non-governmental organizations.
Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, emphasized Saudi Arabia's unwavering determination to reshape the global tourism landscape. Hosting the 26th UNWTO General Assembly in 2025 is a significant milestone and a testament to the Kingdom's commitment to achieving this transformation.
The General Assembly session hosted by Saudi Arabia is expected to feature a diverse array of activities aimed at raising awareness about the role of tourism in advancing sustainable development and fostering global peace.
Furthermore, this gathering will provide Saudi Arabia with a unique opportunity to showcase its advancements in the tourism and cultural sectors and enhance international cooperation in this critical field.
Minister Al-Khateeb highlighted the hosting of the 26th UNWTO General Assembly as a reflection of Saudi Arabia's dedication to leading the global tourism sector towards a more collaborative and promising future. He also noted that the session coincides with the significant achievements made during the Kingdom's chairmanship of UNWTO's Executive Council in 2023. This year, the Executive Council charted a clear and comprehensive roadmap aimed at promoting global cooperation and pioneering innovative initiatives.
Minister Al-Khateeb expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for their unwavering support to the tourism sector in the Kingdom, reaffirming the Kingdom's commitment to playing a leading role in the global tourism landscape. The selection of Saudi Arabia as the host for the 26th UNWTO General Assembly is a testament to the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to drive sustainable development and promote international cooperation in the tourism sector.
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