RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb chaired the 119th session of the Executive Council of the UN World Tourism Organization.

The meeting was being held as part of the UNWTO General Assembly taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, until Oct. 20.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev opened the assembly鈥檚 25th session, being attended by ministers and high-level delegates from more than 150 countries.

On the sidelines of the assembly, Al-Khateeb met Moroccan Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Uzbekistan鈥檚 Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change Aziz Abduhakimov, and Argentina鈥檚 Secretary of Tourism Promotion and Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Yanina Alejandra Martinez.

The talks all revolved around ways to enhance cooperation, promote sustainable tourism, and implement best practices in the sector.

On Tuesday, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism extended its electronic tourist visa to six new countries, bringing the total to 63 nations.

The latest additions to the scheme are Turkiye, Thailand, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles, and Mauritius. Visa holders will be allowed to visit 黑料社区 for tourism, Umrah outside of the Hajj season, trips to see family, and various events.

The latest move is another step toward supporting Vision 2030 goals of boosting tourism鈥檚 gross domestic product contribution and creating 1 million jobs, as part of efforts to diversify the Kingdom鈥檚 economy.

The ministry introduced the e-visa in 2019, offering tourists the chance to explore 黑料社区鈥檚 attractions, cultural experiences, and events. In 2022, the country welcomed 94 million visitors, a 93 percent rise on 2021 figures, with a total tourism spend of $49 billion.

According to the ministry, the Kingdom was well on track to achieving its goal of 100 million visits by 2030 鈥� with new targets currently being set.

The plan is for the tourism sector to contribute 10 percent toward the country鈥檚 GDP by 2030. Currently, travel and tourism account for 4.5 percent of 黑料社区鈥檚 GDP, marking an increase from three percent in 2019.