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Riyadh today stands at the center of global tourism — a city where nations, industries and innovators are shaping the future of one of the world’s most dynamic sectors. The 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, held in Riyadh over the last few days — the first time it has been hosted in the Gulf — marked a defining moment in that journey. Bringing together delegates from 148 countries, including 97 ministers, 18 vice and deputy ministers, 14 ambassadors and 20 global leaders, it was the largest UN Tourism General Assembly ever convened, a milestone that reflects the world’s growing confidence in our shared tourism future.
Gatherings like these matter. Tourism is more than an industry — it is a bridge between nations and a catalyst for prosperity. When global leaders meet under one roof, they do more than exchange ideas; they shape how the world moves, connects and grows. The assembly provided exactly that space, building consensus around sustainability, skills, innovation, investment and connectivity — the five enablers that will define how global tourism evolves.
Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of UN Tourism, the assembly celebrated five decades of shared progress while setting a vision for the next 50 years. The Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism captures that ambition, calling for sustainability at the heart of every destination, investment in human capital, digital transformation through innovation and artificial intelligence, and expanded connectivity to link people and markets.
