In a new milestone that reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a global tourism powerhouse, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the 26th session of the UNWTO General Assembly in 2025 — marking the first-ever UN-level General Assembly to be held in the Kingdom.

National Achievement Reflecting Global Trust

The announcement was made during the 25th session of the General Assembly, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with the participation of His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Minister of Tourism, who expressed pride in this international recognition. He emphasized that the selection reflects the strong support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for the tourism sector, and highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering international cooperation for sustainable tourism development.

Minister Al Khateeb concluded his remarks by affirming that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of this global event will be a celebration of the Kingdom’s remarkable achievements in tourism, and an opportunity to strengthen global collaboration and build a brighter future for the industry.

Leading Role in Shaping the Future of Tourism

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the UNWTO General Assembly is more than a major international event — it is a strategic step toward reshaping the global tourism landscape. The 2025 session will feature diverse programs and activities designed to raise awareness of tourism’s vital role in sustainable development and in building bridges between nations.

Today, Saudi Arabia stands as a global hub for tourism innovation, driven by its mega-projects such as NEOM, The Red Sea, Qiddiya, and Diriyah, along with the establishment of the Global Tourism Academy and the Global Center for Sustainable Tourism in Riyadh.

Bold Vision and Global Leadership

By chairing the UNWTO Executive Council in 2023, the Kingdom set a clear roadmap for the future of tourism — one rooted in innovation, sustainability, and unified global efforts.

Within this context, national companies like OTAS play a vital role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation. OTAS provides integrated solutions in digital marketing, tourism franchising, and SEO optimization to empower tourism businesses to grow and reach new markets.

Through its partnerships across the sector, OTAS contributes to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global tourism image and supporting initiatives that make the Kingdom a thriving and sustainable global destination.