Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 26th UN Tourism General Assembly concluded in Riyadh with a forward-looking vision for the global tourism sector, centered on innovation, sustainability,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – November 9, 2025.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As part of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly (#UNTGA26), Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb, led the opening ceremony of the gathering t
Gustavo Santos, Regional Director of UNWTO for the Americas, stated that “Latin America will be the human heart of the tourism of the future” during an interview with ABC MUNDIAL at the 26th UNWTO General Assembly. Santos highlighted the strategic role of the region, which combines biodiversity, culture, and emotions to offer authentic experiences in an increasingly technology-driven world. According to Santos, “In the new paradigm, the human, the authentic, and the emotional will be the new luxury. Latin America is a collection of hugs, sharing meals, dancing, loving each other, and sharing life.”
In a groundbreaking vote at the 123rd Executive Council meeting in Madrid, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais from the United Arab Emirates has been elected the new Secretary-General of UN Tourism, marking the first time a
“We want a stronger, more united UN Tourism that is aligned with the new reality. This change in leadership will be good news for the entire world,” said Guevara.
In an unexpected and decisive turn ahead of the upcoming elections to choose the new leadership of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), current Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili
According to UN data, around 285 million tourists traveled internationally in the first quarter of 2024, a 20% increase compared to the same period last year, while international tourism revenues grew to 1.5 trillion dollars in 2023.
