Riyadh, September 27, 2023, In a grand gathering, Riyadh played host to the World Tourism Day 2023 celebrations, centered around the overarching theme of "Tourism and Green Investment." The event witnessed the participation of more than 500 esteemed dignitaries, government officials, tourism visionaries, and experts hailing from 120 different nations. The primary objectives of this international congregation were to foster growth, promote sustainability, and nurture interconnectedness among diverse cultures. This prestigious gathering aimed to chart the course for the future of tourism, delving into critical topics that are shaping the trajectory of the global tourism sector.
Inaugurating the event, Minister of Tourism Ahmed bin Aqil Al-Khateeb underscored the significance of Riyadh as the chosen venue for World Tourism Day. He emphasized that this event holds profound importance for Saudi Arabia, a nation where tourism stands as one of the world's most pivotal economic sectors. Indeed, the tourism industry is a lifeline, providing gainful employment for one in every ten individuals across the globe and offering livelihoods to hundreds of millions. In some nations, it can even account for more than 20% of the national GDP.
Minister Al-Khateeb also pointed out the phenomenal growth of the tourism sector over the years, highlighting the surge in tourist numbers. He elucidated how tourism has transformed into a global industry, noting that tourism and international travel, which represented less than 3% of the global GDP in 1970, have now staged a remarkable recovery post the COVID-19 pandemic. It is projected to contribute a substantial 10% to the global GDP. The minister marveled at the astounding increase in passenger numbers, a staggering 700% rise from 118 million in the early 1970s to nearly 1.5 billion in 2019.
In his address, Minister Al-Khateeb stressed the paramount importance of collaboration among nations to ensure progress and balanced growth in the tourism sector. He highlighted the need to create new opportunities in tourism, particularly for smaller countries, through strategic investments. The minister articulated that by forging regional and even global partnerships, the sector could witness exponential growth. Such collaborations have the potential to act as bridges, connecting countries and facilitating cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Furthermore, Minister Al-Khateeb emphasized the Saudi government's commitment to opening doors to international investments in the tourism sector. He noted how the government has actively facilitated access to global capital for the private sector, enabling the construction of facilities that meet the expectations and requirements of visitors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This proactive approach is a testament to Saudi Arabia's dedication to fostering sustainable tourism and encouraging the sector's continuous development on a global scale.
