Saudi Arabia has been re-elected to lead the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as its president for the year 2024, following an endorsement from the Executive Council during its recent meeting in the culturally rich city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This decision serves as a testament to the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to the advancement and sustainability of the international tourism sector. Furthermore, the Kingdom is set to host the 26th General Assembly of the UNWTO in 2025, marking the first time a UN General Assembly will be held in Saudi Arabia.

Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Executive Council, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, lauded the accomplishments achieved during Saudi Arabia's first presidency in 2023. Speaking of the significant initiatives that were launched during this period, he highlighted the core values of partnership, innovation, and progress that underpinned these advancements. Al-Khateeb emphasized the pivotal role of collective vision, cooperation, and strong dedication among all members of the organization in achieving these milestones.

Reflecting on the substantial support provided by the Kingdom's leadership, Minister Al-Khateeb shed light on crucial international initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development. Notably, the establishment of the Sustainable Tourism Global Center, announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the Saudi Green Initiative in October 2021, signifies the nation's commitment to fostering environmentally conscious practices within the tourism sector. Al-Khateeb further elucidated that the Center has recently launched an international research facility, envisioned to serve as a prominent entity guiding the tourism sector's transition toward climate neutrality.

Drawing attention to Saudi Arabia's pioneering role in the tourism domain during its presidency of the Executive Council in 2023, Al-Khateeb emphasized the meticulous execution of a comprehensive plan aimed at fostering global cooperation and propelling transformative initiatives within the tourism sector. The Minister underscored the formulation of a clear and comprehensive roadmap, designed to bolster global collaboration and pioneer initiatives that seek to redefine the landscape of the tourism sector.

In a landmark announcement made during the 25th General Assembly in Samarkand, Minister Al-Khateeb revealed that Saudi Arabia has been selected to host the 26th session of the UNWTO's General Assembly in 2025. This momentous decision underlines the Kingdom's escalating significance within the global tourism arena, marking the first time a UN General Assembly will convene in Saudi Arabia.

Expressing his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Highness the Crown Prince for their steadfast support of the Kingdom's tourism sector, Minister Al-Khateeb emphasized that hosting the 26th General Assembly reflects Saudi Arabia's unwavering dedication to spearheading global tourism toward a more collaborative and promising future. He underscored that the event will serve as a pivotal platform to spotlight the Kingdom's remarkable progress in the realms of tourism and culture, while fostering international cooperation within this critical sector. The hosting of the General Assembly in 2025 is expected to be marked by a series of activities aimed at raising awareness about the crucial role of tourism in advancing sustainable development and fostering global peace.