RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has partnered with the World Economic Forum to launch the “Beyond Tourism” initiative, a global framework designed to drive a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for the travel and tourism sector.

Announcing the initiative on his X account, Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said he was “thrilled to announce the launch,” noting that it is “dedicated to shaping the future of travel and tourism and is built around 10 core principles.”

Al-Khateeb emphasized that Beyond Tourism underscores the sector’s vital role as “a bridge between cultures, a means to empower communities, and a source of opportunities for future generations.”

The initiative comes as the global travel and tourism industry undergoes a major structural shift — moving away from fragmented, business-as-usual models toward integrated, ecosystem-based strategies.

According to the World Economic Forum, the sector is projected to reach 30 billion tourist visits and contribute $16 trillion to global gross domestic product by 2034. Yet, it continues to face complex challenges including rising tension between visitors and residents, environmental pressures, workforce shortages, and exposure to geopolitical and climate disruptions.

“The global travel and tourism sector is entering a period of profound transformation, moving decisively from a fragmented, business-as-usual operating model to a holistic, ecosystem-based paradigm,” the WEF said in a statement.

The forum noted that past reliance on siloed policies — a weakness underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic — has proven insufficient to address today’s global challenges.

Its proposed ecosystem approach focuses on five key enablers: infrastructure, finance, technology and innovation, people and skills, and policy and governance. The model aims to convert systemic challenges into opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth.

Several destinations have already demonstrated the benefits of this approach. Countries such as Portugal, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Singapore, and Indonesia have leveraged it to improve conservation outcomes, diversify economies, and strengthen sustainable tourism development.

By promoting global cooperation among governments, private-sector leaders, and local communities, the Beyond Tourism initiative seeks to unlock the full potential of the industry while safeguarding cultural and natural heritage for generations to come.