RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has partnered with the World Economic Forum to launch the “Beyond Tourism” initiative, a global framework designed to drive a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for the travel and tourism sector.
Announcing the initiative on his X account, Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said he was “thrilled to announce the launch,” noting that it is “dedicated to shaping the future of travel and tourism and is built around 10 core principles.”
Al-Khateeb emphasized that Beyond Tourism underscores the sector’s vital role as “a bridge between cultures, a means to empower communities, and a source of opportunities for future generations.”
The initiative comes as the global travel and tourism industry undergoes a major structural shift — moving away from fragmented, business-as-usual models toward integrated, ecosystem-based strategies.
According to the World Economic Forum, the sector is projected to reach 30 billion tourist visits and contribute $16 trillion to global gross domestic product by 2034. Yet, it continues to face complex challenges including rising tension between visitors and residents, environmental pressures, workforce shortages, and exposure to geopolitical and climate disruptions.
