RIYADH: The speaker lineup for this year’s World Tourism Day in Riyadh on Sept. 27-28 has been revealed.

Over 500 officials, leaders, and experts from 120 countries will attend, highlighting the importance of the day in shaping the future of global tourism.

The diverse range of speakers reflects the industry’s commitment to celebrating achievements and finding solutions to key challenges.

The speaker lineup includes Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al Falih and Saudi Deputy Tourism Minister Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud.

Other notable speakers are South African Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, Croatian Tourism and Sports Minister Nikolina Brnjac, Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy, Spanish State Secretary Rosa Ana Morillo Rodriguez, World Travel and Tourism Council CEO Julia Simpson, Global Tourism Economy Forum Secretary-General Pansy Ho, Saudia CEO Ibrahim Koshy, MSC Cruises CEO Pierfrancesco Vago, Travelport CEO Greg Webb, Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch, and OYO CEO Ritesh Agarwal.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: “Tourism is a powerful force for progress and mutual understanding. But in order to deliver its full benefits, this force must be protected and nurtured.

“On this World Tourism Day, we recognize the vital need for green investments to build a tourism sector that delivers for people and planet. So let us all do more to harness the full potential of sustainable tourism. Because investing in sustainable tourism is investing in a better future for all.”

World Tourism Day will be held under the theme “Tourism and Green Investments” with the aim of fostering global collaboration in examining investment opportunities to strengthen the resilience of the tourism industry and steer the sector toward an investment-led and sustainably focused future.

During the two-day event, tourism leaders will deliver keynote speeches and panel discussions will focus on three UNWTO core themes: people, planet and prosperity.

Participants will explore the power of tourism and the sector’s role in bridging cultures, preserving the environment, and promoting a more harmonious and interconnected world.

At the two-day event, Saudi Arabia will hand over the chair to Georgia, which will host the event next year.