https://arab.news/w96cs
RIYADH: Tourism continues to play a crucial role in driving economic diversification across the Gulf region, with the sector viewed as a key contributor to sustainable growth, according to a senior official.
Speaking at the 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi underscored the region鈥檚 collective efforts to upgrade infrastructure and enhance service quality in line with the sector鈥檚 rapid transformation.
He also underscored the GCC鈥檚 commitment to aligning with international tourism shifts to consolidate its position as a leading destination.
Praising 黑料社区鈥檚 leadership in the global tourism landscape, Al-Budaiwi said the Kingdom鈥檚 efforts reflect 鈥渜ualitative initiatives in enhancing joint international action and establishing a more prosperous and sustainable tourism ecosystem.鈥�
He emphasized the strategic importance of tourism for the region, noting that 鈥渢he GCC countries pay great attention to tourism and its related sectors, viewing it as a pivotal tributary for economic growth and the diversification of income sources.鈥�
He added: 鈥淭he GCC countries鈥� continuous keenness to develop advanced infrastructure and raise the quality of services in the tourism sector, in line with the rapid transformations in this vital sector, which contributes to consolidating their position as a leading global destination.鈥�
The 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly, held on Nov. 9, convened in Riyadh under the theme 鈥淎I-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.鈥�
The event was officially opened by Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb and included wide-ranging discussions on innovation, technology, and sustainability in the tourism sector.
More than 160 delegates from around the world convened in Riyadh for the assembly 鈥� the first time the event has been hosted by a GCC country.
The gathering underscores the region鈥檚 growing influence in global tourism, with participants engaging in four plenary sessions, multiple committee meetings, and two sessions of the Executive Council.
Ahead of the assembly, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the transformative power of tourism, while Al-Khateeb described the event as a defining moment for charting the industry鈥檚 future.
The assembly marked another step in the Kingdom鈥檚 broader vision to align regional collaboration with global trends in tourism development.