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World
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Tourism

Saudi Arabia is getting ready to welcome international travel industry leaders on World Tourism Day

  • Saudi Arabia is getting ready to welcome international travel industry leaders on World Tourism Day
    Saudi Arabia is getting ready to welcome international travel industry leaders on World Tourism Day
Region:
World
Category:
Tourism
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By Karina Giorgenello @losviajesdekarina
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This event represents a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia on its path towards economic diversification and the promotion of sustainable practices in the tourism industry.

Leaders from across the global tourism sector will gather in Riyadh to celebrate World Tourism Day. Saudi Arabia is ready to host the event, themed around green tourism investment. This event marks a significant milestone for the country on its path toward economic diversification and the promotion of sustainable practices in the tourism industry.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has embarked on an ambitious economic reform and diversification program known as "Vision 2030." This plan aims not only to transform the country's economy but also to drive social reforms that contribute to growth and economic diversification. In 2015, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud ascended to the throne, marking the beginning of this transformative vision following the passing of his brother, the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Saudi Arabia, as a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Arab League, as well as its participation in the G20 and the United Nations, has been actively engaged on the international stage in promoting sustainability and responsible tourism.

One of the notable milestones in Saudi Arabia's commitment to sustainable tourism is the establishment of the Global Center for Sustainable Tourism (GCST), announced during COP26 in Glasgow by His Royal Highness Mohammed Bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. This center, a multinational and multi-stakeholder coalition, aims to lead, accelerate, and monitor the transition of the tourism industry to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

The GCST brings together international tourism experts from around the world and works closely with international organizations, such as the UNFCCC, UNEP, ICC, WTTC, the World Bank, and others to advance toward more sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism.

Gloria Guevara Manzo, former Secretary of Tourism of Mexico and former President of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), serves as Chief Advisor to Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Mohamed Al Khateeb, and plays a crucial role in structuring the GCST.

Saudi Arabia has made it clear that its vision for the future entails not only economic diversification but also a transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism model. The country is taking decisive steps to protect the tourism sector while addressing climate change.

According to the latest Economic Impact Report (EIR) by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Saudi Arabia's Travel & Tourism sector is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 11% over the next decade, surpassing the overall economic growth rate by a significant margin. This industry is projected to make a substantial contribution to the country's GDP and create millions of jobs.

Saudi Arabia is demonstrating its commitment to a more sustainable approach to tourism and its determination to lead the transition to a greener future in the industry. This event will serve as a significant platform for discussions and the promotion of responsible tourism practices that benefit both the planet and future generations.