Riyadh, September 30, 2023, Riyadh recently hosted a series of events to mark the 2023 World Tourism Day (WTD), which the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) hailed as the most significant and influential in its 43-year history. The celebration, held under the theme "Tourism & Green Investments," saw more than 50 tourism ministers, 120 officials, and over 500 industry experts and leaders, including UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, come together.
Minister of Tourism Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb expressed his appreciation for the unwavering support of the Kingdom's leadership in advancing the tourism sector. He attributed the sector's historic progress in job creation and investments to the exceptional backing of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Al-Khateeb also highlighted the Kingdom's contributions to the global tourism landscape, emphasizing its role in hosting international events that helped rejuvenate the global tourism sector to pre-pandemic levels.
The WTD events in Riyadh centered on promoting international cooperation and sustainable development within the global tourism industry. Additionally, during the celebration, the Kingdom unveiled details about the International Tourism Academy, a gift to the world from Riyadh. This academy will offer international educational and vocational programs in the fields of tourism and hospitality, further enhancing the global tourism sector's prospects for the future.
