DOHA—Saudi Arabia, represented by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, participated in the 51st meeting of the Regional Commission for Middle East of the United Nations Tourism Organization, which was held in the Qatari capital, Doha. Al-Khateeb pointed out that the tourism sector in Middle East has witnessed continuous growth in recent years, placing the region at the forefront of the global tourism recovery journey. He said the Middle East region received more than 95 million international tourists in 2024, recording an 11% growth over pre-pandemic levels, which indicates the unique tourism components that the region enjoys, and the sector's ability to overcome regional and international challenges. He added that Saudi Arabia had contributed to this positive performance over the past year. Saudi Arabia received nearly 30 million international tourists in 2024, recording a growth rate exceeding 69%, compared to 2019, according to figures issued by the United Nations Tourism Organization. Al-Khateeb said Saudi Arabia made great efforts during its presidency of the Executive Council of the United Nations Tourism Organization to enhance the role of tourism and achieve sustainability globally. "Over the past two years, these details have been the pillars of Saudi Arabia's presidency of the Executive Council of the United Nations Tourism Organization, and today we look forward to continuing this approach, to transform the tourism sector into an engine of social and economic growth, and a starting point for building sustainable economies based on prosperity and improving the quality of life of our peoples." Minister Al-Khateeb said. Saudi Arabia will host the twenty-sixth session of the General Assembly of the United Nations Tourism Organization, scheduled to be held from November 7 to 11, 2025, which is the first General Assembly to be held in the Kingdom at the United Nations level, which confirms Riyadh's pioneering role in stimulating growth and enhancing international cooperation in the tourism sector.
