The 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly concluded in Riyadh with the unanimous adoption of the Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism, a landmark 50-year blueprint to transform the sector into a more sustainable, inclusive, and technologically empowered engine of global growth.
Hosted by Saudi Arabia from November 7–11—the first time in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and the largest assembly in UN Tourism’s 50-year history—the event drew ministers, CEOs, and delegates from over 160 countries under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.” The declaration outlines 11 commitments, starting with an urgent push to “advance and accelerate progress toward a more sustainable tourism sector that balances environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and social wellbeing.”
🌟 The 26th UN Tourism General Assembly is officially underway!
Today’s Opening Ceremony in Riyadh brought together global leaders united by one vision — to make tourism a driver of sustainability and shared prosperity. 🌍 pic.twitter.com/WS0Xy1diaX— UN Tourism (@UNWTO) November 9, 2025
Key pledges include harnessing AI and digital innovation for data-driven policymaking, enhanced visitor experiences, and ethical governance—while addressing risks like data privacy and equity. Members committed to bolstering air connectivity, human capital development, and investment in green infrastructure.
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Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb hailed the document as a “turning point for global tourism governance,” emphasizing sustainability and AI’s role in automating non-human tasks to empower communities. The declaration mandates UN Tourism to develop a Global Maturity Framework for AI in Tourism, an AI Impact Report, and a Strategic Roadmap for presentation to the Executive Council within 12 months, funded by voluntary contributions.
Delegates also ratified Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as the next Secretary-General—the first woman and GCC national to lead the organization—and launched TOURISE, Saudi Arabia’s global platform for tourism innovation and investment, announcing a $113 billion portfolio.
As tourism rebounds to pre-pandemic levels, the Riyadh Declaration positions the sector to contribute 10% to global GDP by 2050—greener, smarter, and fairer.
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