Davos, January 25, 2025 – The pivotal role of the travel and tourism sector in shaping the global economic landscape was a central theme at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos this week. Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb urged world leaders and stakeholders to give the industry the focus and collaborative solutions it deserves, highlighting its essential contribution to global recovery and economic diversification. As part of the official Saudi Arabia delegation, Al Khateeb took center stage in dedicated WEF sessions to underscore the Kingdom’s remarkable tourism growth and the broader potential of the sector to drive sustainable development.
In 2024, Saudi Arabia welcomed nearly 30 million international visitors, marking a significant milestone in its tourism industry. With nearly 5% of the Kingdom’s GDP attributed to the sector, tourism has become a key driver of economic growth and resilience. During his address at the forum, Al Khateeb reflected on the transformative role of tourism, emphasizing how Saudi Vision 2030’s strategic initiatives unlocked unprecedented growth. This vision laid the foundation for a holistic tourism experience that is rooted in international collaboration, the implementation of best practices, and a firm commitment to sustainable development. He outlined how the Kingdom’s investments in infrastructure, culture, and hospitality were instrumental in propelling its tourism sector to new heights.
As the WEF Annual Meeting concluded, Al Khateeb noted with optimism that the global tourism industry has fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, with 1.4 billion international arrivals recorded in 2024. He stressed that the world is watching the resurgence of tourism and that this recovery presents a unique opportunity for nations to build a vibrant, diversified tourism ecosystem. However, he cautioned that this growth must be balanced with environmental and social responsibility. “Tourism is more than just an industry; it is a transformative force,” Al Khateeb declared, calling for collective action to ensure that the economic benefits of the sector are matched by sustainable practices that safeguard the planet and the quality of life for future generations.
Throughout the forum, Al Khateeb played a leading role in discussions on tourism’s potential, engaging in high-level debates on official WEF panels, such as "Travel and Tourism’s Role in Building Trust" and "The Way We Will Travel." These sessions focused on mobilizing diversified growth across the sector and fostering global collaboration to meet the increasing demand for travel and tourism services. Al Khateeb also hosted a high-level session at Saudi House, exploring the theme of “Scaling Sustainable Tourism: Connecting People and Places,” where he shared insights into how Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable tourism.
In these discussions, Al Khateeb was joined by prominent figures from around the world, including Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama, European Commissioner for Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Switzerland Tourism CEO Martin Nydegger, and Trip.com CEO Jane Sun. All speakers echoed Al Khateeb’s call for stronger international cooperation and collective action to ensure that tourism’s benefits are shared globally while minimizing its environmental impact.
As part of its forward-thinking strategy, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism launched a new investment guide, the "Hospitality Investor White Paper," during the WEF Annual Meeting. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s ambitious targets for the sector, aiming to attract over SAR 40 billion (USD 11 billion) in private investments, generate SAR 16 billion (USD 4 billion) in GDP contributions, and create 1.6 million new jobs by 2030. The new white paper serves as a critical tool to guide investors and stakeholders in tapping into the opportunities within Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing tourism sector, which remains a cornerstone of the Kingdom's long-term economic diversification efforts.
Al Khateeb’s participation at the WEF underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to transforming its tourism industry into a global powerhouse, demonstrating its vision of creating a sustainable and resilient tourism sector that not only contributes to economic growth but also promotes cultural exchange, environmental stewardship, and global collaboration.