Diriyah, Oct 1, 2023, Diriyah played host to a grand gala event in celebration of World Tourism Day, drawing more than 500 distinguished guests from around the globe. The event, held against the backdrop of Diriyah's At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site, brought together global officials, tourism leaders, and experts from 120 countries, including over 50 tourism ministers.
This remarkable gathering marked the culmination of a series of conferences, UNWTO initiatives, and private sector sessions hosted by Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia. It was a joint effort between the Ministry of Tourism and UNWTO to recognize Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of UNWTO, for his leadership and contributions throughout World Tourism Day.
Guests, many of whom were visiting Saudi Arabia for the first time, had a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the deep and rich history of the country. They walked through the historic Bujairi Terrace, the Kingdom's premier dining district, to reach the iconic Salwa Palace, emblematic of Diriyah's culture and a key component of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Al-Khateeb highlighted Diriyah's remarkable progress since its grand opening in December 2022, having already welcomed one million visitors. Saudi Arabia's ambitious goal is to attract 100 million annual visitors by 2030, as part of an $800 billion plan to become a top travel destination and one of the world's most visited countries. The country already holds the distinction of being the most visited in the region, with the tourism sector set to contribute over 10% to the Kingdom's GDP by the end of the decade.
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, expressed pride in hosting such a distinguished group of guests. Diriyah Company plays a pivotal role in opening up the birthplace of Saudi Arabia to the world, serving as a bridge between cultures and generations. It is emerging as a premier cultural tourist destination, embodying the principles of preserving heritage, fostering cultural exchange, and creating unforgettable experiences for visitors worldwide.
Inzerillo noted that World Tourism Day signifies a global commitment to these pillars of tourism, which Diriyah is dedicated to bringing to life every day. The event showcased Diriyah's growing importance as a beacon of culture and heritage in the global tourism landscape.
