Tourism

The critical role of travel and tourism in driving global economic growth will take center stage at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos. His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism, will lead discussions on the transformative power of the tourism sector in fostering sustainable, multi-sector economic growth and cross-border collaboration.

As part of the Saudi delegation, led by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Al-Khateeb will highlight the travel and tourism sector's potential as a cornerstone of global economic diversification and prosperity.

"The Travel and Tourism sector is a cornerstone of global economies and, as we convene in Davos for the WEF Annual Meeting 2025, acknowledging the importance of the sector in discussions is vital," said HE Al-Khateeb. "I am honored to underscore tourism's potential as a catalyst for inclusive global economic transformation through sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. Saudi Arabia remains committed to strengthening international cooperation and promoting sustainable growth in tourism."

Advancing Sustainable Tourism

In collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, WEF has released a briefing paper titled “The Future of Travel and Tourism: Embracing Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.” The report explores key trends, destination readiness, and the importance of cross-sector partnerships in shaping the future of tourism.

Key sessions at the WEF Annual Meeting include:

• Travel and Tourism’s Role in Building Trust: Tuesday, January 21, 9:00 AM CET
• Scaling Sustainable Tourism: Connecting People and Places: Tuesday, January 21, 4:40 PM CET
• The Way We Will Travel: Wednesday, January 22, 11:30 AM CET

Saudi Arabia’s Vision for Tourism

Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation under Vision 2030 continues to garner global attention. The Kingdom has surpassed its goal of 100 million tourist arrivals by 2023, becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations. Key highlights include:

• Investor White Paper: Released by the Kingdom, it showcases state-of-the-art tourism infrastructure, cultural experiences, and strategic initiatives to attract international visitors.
• Strategic Location: Within a six-hour flight of 40% of the global population, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned as a global tourism hub.

Commitment to Global Partnerships

At the WEF Annual Meeting, HE Al-Khateeb will also engage in high-level dialogues on:

• Driving Africa’s development through investment.
• Scaling sustainable tourism initiatives.
• Empowering women leaders in global economic growth.

His active participation is expected to foster new partnerships, innovative initiatives, and pathways to leverage tourism for global economic development.

Conclusion

The WEF Annual Meeting 2025 underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting sustainable, inclusive, and innovative tourism practices. Through collaborative efforts and transformative initiatives, the Kingdom is paving the way for a prosperous future for the global tourism sector.

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