CARTAGENA — Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb emphasized the growing importance of tourism as a vital driver of global economic growth during the Kingdom's presidency of the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Speaking at the opening of the 122nd session of the Executive Council on November 13, Al-Khateeb revealed that tourism is set to contribute 10% to global GDP, with an annual spending forecast of $11 trillion in 2024. This contribution is expected to rise, fueled by increased air connectivity, post-pandemic demand, and the expanding middle-class tourism base in emerging markets. During the session, which is being held from November 13 to 15 in Cartagena, Colombia, Saudi Arabia will officially conclude its two-year presidency of the Executive Council. Al-Khateeb highlighted the Kingdom's efforts to enhance global tourism growth during its tenure, establishing a general development program focused on investments, education, youth empowerment, and sustainability. This approach has led to positive economic and societal impacts for the global tourism sector. Opening the session, Al-Khateeb called for continued cooperation among Council members, reaffirming their shared vision for the sustained prosperity of global tourism. "This gathering reaffirmed our shared vision for the continued prosperity of global tourism, and highlighted the need for innovative models to sustain the sector, create investment opportunities, and support strategic partnerships," he stated. He also noted the broader impact of tourism on sustainable development and job creation, with the sector supporting 350 million jobs globally and providing opportunities for economic mobility, particularly for youth, women, and rural communities. Al-Khateeb added: Tourism promotes cultural exchange and understanding between diverse cultures, with 1.5 billion international tourists expected by the end of 2024. In a key development during the session, Al-Khateeb and his Zambian counterpart witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries' ministries to cooperate in areas such as training, tourism statistics, event organization, and sustainable tourism planning. Al-Khateeb also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Colombia, Zambia, South Africa, and Brazil, reaffirming the commitment to strengthening international cooperation and advancing collective progress in the tourism sector. Under Saudi Arabia's presidency, the UNWTO has seen significant regional expansion, including the establishment of the Regional Office for the Americas in Brazil, the Regional Office for Africa in Morocco, the Observatory of Tourism Movement in Latin America and the Caribbean in Uruguay, and the Silk Road Tourism Office in Uzbekistan.
