- The theme “Tourism and Green Investment” this year aims to promote mutual understanding, boost economic sustainability and foster social prosperity in the sector.
- With the world’s fastest post-pandemic sectoral recovery among G20 countries, Saudi Arabia The organization of World Tourism Day reflects its ambition to place tourism and sustainability at the heart of its Vision 2030 transformation.
- The global tourism sector is poised to achieve $9.5 trillion in 2023
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, September 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Global tourism leaders are set to unite to Riyadh for this year’s UNWTO World Tourism Day (WTD), which will be celebrated from 27th – 28th September. Through a series of landmark events, global ministers, industry leaders and experts will highlight the power of tourism and explore avenues for collaboration to drive the sector’s growth, placing people, planet and prosperity at the forefront of debates.
Under the theme “Tourism and Green Investment”, JMT 2023 will examine the role of investment in people and planet in securing livelihoods and fostering mutual understanding, while exploring opportunities to expand the reach of the economic and social impact of the industry to a greater number of people around the world. world, ensuring prosperity for all.
The global tourism sector is expected to reach 9.5 trillion dollars contribution to GDP in 2023, according to WTTC. This is in line with UNWTO forecasts that tourism remains on track to reach 80-95% of pre-pandemic levels this year and is expected to significantly exceed 2019 levels in 2024. As one of the major economic drivers of the global economy, the sector is responsible for a multitude of business and employment opportunities, while also playing a key role in bridging cultures, connecting people and improving mutual understanding. Reflecting the sector’s potential as a key driver of change, three themes will guide the event’s discussions: mutual understanding, economic sustainability and social prosperity.
His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabiasaid:
“We have a historic opportunity to chart a new course for the global tourism sector, focused on sustainable development, job creation and economic resilience. Tourism – as a catalyst for change – promotes mutual understanding, builds bridges and safeguards cultural heritage and environmental conservation, thereby contributing to a more harmonious world.
“World Tourism Day 2023 provides an important platform for the world to celebrate the sector’s successes and explore solutions to its challenges. Saudi Arabia is honored to host this prestigious occasion and we look forward to welcoming tourism leaders from both the public and private sectors to Riyadh“.
Furthermore, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO Secretary General, added:
“This World Tourism Day, we are focusing on the vital need to invest in building a more sustainable sector for people, planet and prosperity. This day also clearly shows why UNWTO highlights the need to invest in education and greater innovation as the foundations of a long-term future. long-term growth and transformation. This year’s official celebration at Saudi Arabia reflects how tourism is adopted to diversify economies and generate opportunities for all.
By organizing this event four years after its opening to international tourists in 2019, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment as a dedicated organizer to the tourism sector which aims to showcase its progress in connecting Saudis to the world, building bridges between cultures, encouraging hospitality talents and creating investment opportunities for the International community.
Marking the most significant assembly of global tourism leaders in the 43-year history of World Tourism Day, as measured by the number of ministers in attendance, WTD 2023 will feature a series of engaging sessions, panel discussions and Workshops led by renowned industry experts and government leaders. Event participants will also attend a gala dinner at that of Riyadh UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diriyah, to celebrate World Tourism Day and its global significance.
The scale of the event organized at Riyadh highlights the importance placed by the Saudi government on the development of the global tourism sector and follows the Kingdom’s election as President of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for 2023.
The event in Riyadh for UNWTO WTD 2023, September 27-28, showcases the growth of the capital as a hub for major business events and promises to be a major milestone in the global tourism calendar, offering valuable insights and inspiring discussions on the role of tourism in bridging cultures and fostering mutual understanding.
About the Ministry of Tourism
Saudi Arabia The Ministry of Tourism was founded in 2020, following the opening of Saudi Arabia to international tourists in 2019. The ministry spearheads the Kingdom’s vision to bring Saudi tourism to the forefront. Its efforts align with the Kingdom’s ambitious goals to create 1 million jobs for its citizens, enable accelerated and sustainable growth with forward-looking policies, investments and talent development guided by data, to receive 100 million tourist visits by 2030 and to amplify the sector’s contribution to GDP from 3% to 10%. In doing so, the Ministry of Tourism issues licenses and classifications for tourism activities and creates and approves tourist visa regulations.
About UNWTO
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting tourism as a vehicle for equal, inclusive and sustainable development. In collaboration with its Member States, international organizations and the private sector, UNWTO promotes safe and seamless travel for all. UNWTO also strives to make tourism the foundation of international trust and cooperation and a central pillar of growth and opportunity. As part of the broader United Nations system, UNWTO is at the forefront of global efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including through its ability to create decent jobs , to promote equality and to preserve natural and cultural heritage.
https://www.unwto.org/world-tourism-day-2023
SOURCE Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia
