RIYADH: Saudi Arabia recently took part in the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting and Tourism Investment Summit in South Africa.
Vice Minister of Tourism Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud represented the Kingdom at the meeting, highlighting the country’s role in shaping the future of the global industry, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
“Saudi Arabia shares and celebrates the G20’s commitment to advancing tourism growth and placing sustainability at the heart of our efforts,” she told delegates from the world’s top 20 industrialized and emerging-market nations.
“The lesson from South Africa and Saudi Arabia is clear: Lasting transformation happens when we share ideas and build together. This is why we created Tourise, the first global platform for action, year-round collaboration and meaningful impact. We invite the world to join us this November to design and deliver the future of tourism in partnership.
“Tourism has the power to change lives, transform economies and bring the world closer together. Through Saudi Vision 2030 we are showing that tourism is not only a driver of economic prosperity but also a catalyst for inclusive social progress. But this potential can only be realized if we act boldly and collaboratively.”
As a permanent member of the G20, Saudi Arabia helped shape the final ministerial declaration, ensuring that sustainability, digital transformation, inclusivity and skills development remain priorities in global tourism policy, the report said.
Princess Haifa also hosted a ministerial dinner on behalf of Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, inviting guests to Tourise — a gathering of public- and private-sector leaders, innovators and investors — to design a global tourism agenda for the future.
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is among the fastest growing in the world. Last year the number of domestic and inbound visitors rose 6 percent from 2023 to 116 million, according to the SPA.
The growth was fueled by investment in destinations, flight routes, airport capacity and infrastructure, including giga-projects such as Neom, Qiddiya and Diriyah.
