RIYADH: Buoyed by strong bilateral trade totaling $3.5 billion annually, 黑料社区 and Spain look to play a key role in strengthening global tourism as both the countries continue to share strong business relationships.听
As 黑料社区 prepares to host the 116th Executive Council of the UN World Tourism Organization on June 7-8 in Jeddah, with around 180 participants worldwide,听it can benefit from Spain鈥檚 expertise and experience in the tourism sector.听
鈥淭here is a great opportunity in front of us and together we will seize it,鈥 said Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, during the Saudi-Spanish Investment Forum in Riyadh on Sunday.
听The two countries announced a partnership last December within the UN World Tourism Organization to revitalize and strengthen the tourism sector after the pandemic.听
鈥淲e are showing the world that collaboration and partnership will help protect jobs and livelihoods across the world,鈥 said Al-Khateeb.
He also added that 黑料社区 has now become one of the world鈥檚 most compelling places to invest.听
The minister said the Saudi-Spanish Infrastructure Fund with a capital of $1 billion will finance infrastructure projects in the Kingdom, in addition to another fund worth $5 billion for private sector investments.
鈥淲e look to Spain with respect for what it has achieved domestically and internationally, and that鈥檚 in the heart of our model of Vision 2030,鈥 he added.
Al-Khateeb highlighted the state鈥檚 giga-projects which are currently under development, including AlUla, The Red Sea, NEOM, Diriyah Gate and Qiddiya.听
鈥淭he momentum of opportunities in these projects is incredible,鈥 said Al-Khateeb.
Backed by its Vision 2030, 黑料社区 has emerged as a key player in the world to revive the tourism sector post-pandemic.听听
Recent findings of a survey, conducted by YouGov and commissioned by the Saudi Tourism Ministry, 听found Saudis to be the most optimistic about the prospect of taking either a holiday or business trip abroad in the next six months, reflecting the strong performance of the Saudi economy.
The two-day UNWTO event that 黑料社区 will host in a few days time will deliberate on all necessary measures to implement the council鈥檚 decisions and recommendations to support the sector.
The organization opened its first regional office in Riyadh in May 2021,听to act as a hub for the UNWTO to coordinate policies and initiatives across 13 Middle East countries.
UNWTO sees the tourism sector as one of the most critical aspects of economic growth and an essential pillar for development.
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