Taif, November 8, 2024 – In a significant move to promote sustainable tourism, Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Taif, officially submitted the accreditation and registration portfolio for the Taif Observatory for Sustainable Tourism to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), marking a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish itself as a leader in responsible tourism development. With this submission, Taif becomes part of a prestigious global network of 35 sustainable tourism observatories, recognized for their commitment to promoting tourism practices that are environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable.
The official submission ceremony was attended by Eng. Abdullah Al-Zaidi, Mayor of Taif, along with key figures from various local and national authorities. This milestone is the culmination of months of collaboration and extensive planning, with the participation of a wide range of stakeholders from both governmental and academic sectors. Among the contributors were the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism, Saudi Tourism Authority, National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, Taif Governorate, Taif Municipality, and Taif University. Together, these organizations have worked tirelessly to establish the observatory as a key player in fostering sustainable tourism in the Kingdom.
The Taif Observatory for Sustainable Tourism is a pioneering initiative, as it is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, and the Middle East. The observatory is designed to not only monitor and evaluate tourism practices but also to promote and encourage the development of tourism in alignment with global sustainability standards. The Executive Committee for the observatory has finalized its organizational structure, which includes clearly defined roles and responsibilities for various units within the observatory. This structure is aimed at ensuring effective management and implementation of sustainability initiatives in Taif’s tourism sector.
Dr. Ali AlGassim, the Executive Director of the observatory, highlighted that the completion of the accreditation portfolio followed extensive research and consultation with tourism specialists, environmental experts, and academics. The research emphasized the need for a tailored approach to sustainability that considers Taif’s unique natural environment, cultural heritage, and local communities. According to Dr. AlGassim, the observatory will not only monitor tourism trends but will also provide a comprehensive framework for achieving sustainable tourism goals that benefit both the region and the broader global community.
In addition to its WTO accreditation, the Taif Observatory is actively pursuing destination sustainability certification from other leading international organizations. This certification will further bolster Taif’s reputation as a sustainable tourism destination and will pave the way for future investment in eco-friendly tourism projects. The observatory is also preparing to host a major Sustainable Tourism Conference in Taif, which will be part of the broader Investment Conference scheduled for mid-2025. The event aims to bring together global experts, stakeholders, and investors to discuss the future of sustainable tourism and explore opportunities for growth in the region.
Dr. AlGassim also emphasized that the establishment of the observatory is not just a local achievement but a step toward enhancing Taif’s position on the global tourism map. The observatory will serve as a model for other regions in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East that seek to integrate sustainable practices into their tourism sectors. The overarching goal is to align the development of tourism in Taif with the Kingdom’s broader objectives of improving the quality of life for citizens, preserving cultural heritage, and protecting the environment.
The launch of the Taif Observatory for Sustainable Tourism is a direct response to the growing global demand for responsible tourism, which balances economic growth with environmental and social stewardship. As Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its economy and invest in sustainable development, the establishment of this observatory underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to integrating sustainability into its tourism strategy. By fostering an ecosystem that promotes responsible tourism, Taif is positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainable travel, and this initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on the future of tourism in the Kingdom and the wider Middle East.
