UN Tourism General Assembly 2025: AI-Powered Tourism & Saudi Arabia’s Vision

The 26th UN Tourism General Assembly opened in Riyadh, marking a historic first for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. It is the largest Assembly since the founding of UN Tourism 50 years ago. More than 160 delegations, including ministers, senior officials, and industry leaders, have gathered to celebrate five decades of global cooperation under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.” Hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with UN Tourism, the Assembly highlights the rapid digital transformation of the tourism sector. The focus is on AI’s role in creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and advancing sustainable tourism. This week-long event will explore how digital technologies, especially artificial intelligence, can accelerate the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector, helping drive the global economy forward.

The UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh is a landmark event in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, marking the first time Saudi Arabia has hosted the session. This Assembly is also the largest since UN Tourism was established 50 years ago. The event gathers over 160 delegations, consisting of government ministers, high-ranking officials, and influential figures from across the tourism sector. Delegates have assembled under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future,” with a shared goal of exploring how AI and digital transformation can shape the future of tourism. The Assembly is being hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with UN Tourism, and supported by numerous other global stakeholders.

This year’s General Assembly focuses on the role of AI in redefining tourism and helping drive sustainable and inclusive growth. The discussion will cover a variety of important topics such as how digital technologies can enhance tourism’s contribution to economic development, cultural exchange, and job creation. Saudi Arabia, under its Vision 2030 plan, is positioning itself as a global leader in the tourism sector, and this event is an opportunity to showcase the Kingdom’s commitment to the future of travel and tourism.

A Milestone for Saudi Arabia in the Global Tourism Arena

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism is proud to host the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, a historic milestone for the country and the region. The Kingdom is dedicated to using its hosting of the Assembly as a platform to showcase its role in advancing tourism and boosting global cooperation. As the host nation, Saudi Arabia has embraced the opportunity to contribute to the global dialogue on how to shape the tourism industry over the next 50 years.

The event’s theme, “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future,” aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which focuses on diversifying the economy and positioning tourism as a key sector for growth. By welcoming world leaders and industry experts, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the tourism sector remains an engine of economic prosperity and cultural exchange. The Kingdom is also focused on harnessing AI to drive tourism, create jobs, and enhance the tourism experience, making it more sustainable and accessible to everyone.

Through strategic collaborations, Saudi Arabia aims to reshape global tourism, advocating for new technologies that ensure growth while maintaining sustainability. The country’s active engagement with UN Tourism over the years is evident in its leadership role, including hosting the first Middle East regional office for UN Tourism and chairing the Executive Council in 2023 and 2024. These milestones highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the world tourism stage.

AI in Tourism: A Revolution for Global Travel and Sustainability

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence in various industries is no longer a distant future. It is already reshaping how people experience the world, particularly in the tourism sector. With AI, travelers can now plan, book, and experience their trips in new and more personalized ways. AI-driven tools are transforming how destinations are marketed, how travel services are provided, and how people interact with tourism businesses.

AI in tourism promises to unlock countless opportunities. By automating booking systems, personalising travel recommendations, and improving customer service, AI helps make travel easier and more accessible. Moreover, AI’s ability to process large amounts of data helps destinations tailor their offerings, ensuring that they meet the demands of both tourists and local communities.

Importantly, AI is also critical in supporting sustainability. By streamlining operations, AI reduces waste and enhances efficiency, leading to a greener tourism industry. As tourism continues to grow, ensuring that the sector remains sustainable is essential. AI-driven insights can guide decisions related to environmental management, allowing countries and businesses to make more informed choices that protect both their local economies and the planet.

Global Collaboration for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future

The success of the UN Tourism General Assembly relies on the collaboration of countries, organizations, and stakeholders from all around the world. Over the next few days, delegates will engage in four plenary sessions and participate in the work of seven specialized committees. These committees will focus on a range of issues, from promoting sustainable tourism practices to leveraging AI for inclusive growth in the sector.

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Assembly is a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering international cooperation in the tourism industry. As the world grapples with challenges such as climate change and economic inequality, the role of tourism as a driver of positive change has never been more critical. This Assembly serves as a vital platform for tourism leaders to discuss how the sector can be used to create jobs, support small businesses, and promote cultural understanding across borders.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda underpins the Kingdom’s dedication to building a diversified, sustainable economy. Tourism is one of the key pillars of this vision, and hosting the UN Tourism General Assembly is an important step in making the Kingdom a global tourism hub. By harnessing the power of AI and digital transformation, Saudi Arabia aims to ensure that the tourism industry contributes to both local and global development.

The Future of AI-Powered Tourism: A New Era of Opportunities

The future of AI-powered tourism holds endless possibilities for innovation and transformation. As the tourism industry increasingly adopts digital technologies, the ways in which people travel will evolve, offering new experiences, enhanced services, and greater convenience. AI is already being used to personalize travel experiences, allowing tourists to explore destinations in more meaningful ways.

AI will also play a significant role in improving the efficiency of tourism operations, streamlining everything from booking systems to customer service interactions. With AI, travel companies can respond more quickly to customer needs, offering personalized recommendations and services that improve the overall customer experience. In this way, AI will not only make travel more enjoyable but also more sustainable by reducing waste and promoting responsible tourism practices.

Furthermore, the use of AI in tourism will contribute to creating a more inclusive and accessible industry. By enabling greater personalization and expanding access to services, AI can ensure that people from all walks of life can enjoy the benefits of global travel. This inclusivity will help bridge cultural divides and create deeper connections between people from different backgrounds.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Tourism Growth: A Vision for the Future

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a blueprint for the country’s future, focusing on diversifying the economy, reducing dependence on oil, and developing key sectors like tourism. The country is committed to ensuring that its tourism industry grows in a sustainable, inclusive way that benefits both locals and visitors. The 26th UN Tourism General Assembly is an important part of this vision, providing a platform for global leaders to collaborate on shaping the future of tourism.

Through its investment in tourism infrastructure and its commitment to sustainable practices, Saudi Arabia is poised to become a global leader in the sector. The Kingdom’s tourism initiatives, including its efforts to attract international visitors and promote its rich cultural heritage, are integral to its long-term economic goals. As the world increasingly turns to AI to drive innovation, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 will ensure that the tourism sector remains at the forefront of this transformation.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of AI-Powered Tourism Together

The 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh marks a historic moment for global tourism and Saudi Arabia. As the world embraces digital transformation and AI, the Assembly offers a unique opportunity for countries to come together and discuss how these technologies can drive sustainable growth, create jobs, and foster cross-cultural understanding. By harnessing the power of AI, tourism can be transformed into a force for good—promoting economic prosperity, cultural exchange, and global peace.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable tourism and its leadership in advancing digital transformation positions the country as a key player in shaping the future of global travel. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030, with its emphasis on diversification and inclusivity, will ensure that tourism continues to thrive in the decades ahead, creating a more connected and prosperous world for all.

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