Mexico City, September 18, 2023 - Gloria Guevara Manzo, Chief Advisor to the Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Mohamed Al Khateeb, participated as a special guest speaker at a meeting with entrepreneurs in Mexico City, where she highlighted the unprecedented transformation that Saudi Arabia is experiencing in the tourism sector, becoming a global example.

During her speech, Guevara Manzo emphasized that the Middle East is undergoing significant changes in the travel and tourism industry, and Saudi Arabia has stood out for its vision, leadership, and resources in this transformation. She emphasized the Vision 2030, an ambitious initiative led by His Royal Highness Mohammed Bin Salman, which aims to take the Saudi nation to the next level.

"Today, I live in Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia. A country with an area of 2 million square kilometers, almost like Mexico, with 35 million inhabitants. It is the fastest-growing country in the G20. In 2022, its GDP grew by 8.7 percent, more than double the average (which was 3.2 percent), and it has improved in all rankings that measure governments. The tourism sector grew by 121% in international visitors last year, and in the first quarter, we broke records. The highest not only for that year but in many, many years," said the expert.

Gloria Guevara Manzo also highlighted the importance of the travel and tourism sector globally, emphasizing that this sector generates one in every ten jobs on the planet, equivalent to nearly 300 million jobs, and represents 10 percent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Regarding Mexico, Guevara Manzo praised the natural and cultural resources of the country, as well as the quality of its hardworking people. However, she stressed the need to define a long-term plan for Mexican tourism, with the participation of the private sector, academia, and citizens, as well as the involvement of experts who can contribute their knowledge to take the country to the next level.

"Unity and leadership, a country that inevitably divides itself postpones its development. Mexico can no longer be divided. It is essential to put the country's agenda above individual agendas. We have a great country with cultural and natural resources, but above all, with world-class people, recognized globally, and hardworking people," she emphasized. She previously chaired the World Travel & Tourism Council.

Guevara Manzo concluded her remarks by emphasizing that Mexico is at a crucial moment that will define its future, with an upcoming change in administration. She called for the future leader, whether male or female, to be aware of the immense potential that Mexico has in all areas, including tourism. She stressed the importance of taking control of Mexico's destiny and defining its future with vision, leadership, the collaboration of millions of committed Mexicans, and the efficient use of available resources.

Regenerate