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Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | 27 - 28 September

Join the celebration! #WTD23  

UNWTO has identified investments as one of the key priorities for tourism’s recovery and future growth and development. For World Tourism Day 2023 , UNWTO highlights the need for more and better-targeted investments for people, for planet and for prosperity. Now is the time for new and innovative solutions, not just traditional investments that promote and underpin economic growth and productivity.

World Tourism Day 2023 will be a call to action to the international community, governments, multilateral financial institutions, development partners and private sector investors to unite around a new tourism investment strategy.

Zurab Pololikashvili

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António Guterres

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Related links:

• Official Messages
• UNWTO Regional Department for the Middle East
• Investments Strategy
• Sustainable tourism development

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World Tourism Day will be celebrated in Saudi Arabia underlining “Tourism and Green Investments”

Leaders from across the global tourism sector are set to unite in Riyadh for this year's UNWTO World Tourism Day (WTD), which will be celebrated on 27-28 September, under the theme of “Tourism and Green Investments”.

Riyadh hosted the event for the first time in 2019. Marking the most significant assembly of global tourism leaders in the 43-year history of World Tourism Day, gauged by global ministers, industry leaders, and experts in attendance, WTD 2023 will examine the role of investment in people and the planet to secure livelihoods and foster mutual understanding, while exploring opportunities to extend the reach of the industry's economic and social impact to more people around the world, safeguarding prosperity for all.

Hosting this gathering aims to boost Saudi Arabia's position on the map of international events in general, and tourism in particular, as one of the fastest-growing destinations among the G20 countries. The Kingdom is also the chair of the World Tourism Organization for 2023, and the host of its headquarters in the Middle East.

Event participants will also attend a gala dinner in Riyadh's UNESCO Heritage site, Diriyah, to celebrate World Tourism Day.

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said hosting this significant global gathering reinforces the status of Saudi Arabia and its pioneering role in restructuring the future of global tourism.

He added that it also confirms the success of Riyadh in becoming a regional hub for the organization, as well as the Kingdom’s initiatives and achievements during the past four years.

“This World Tourism Day, we focus on the vital need to invest in building a more sustainable sector for people, planet, and prosperity,” said Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UNWTO.

“The day also makes clear why UNWTO underscores the need for investment in education and for greater innovation as the foundations for long-term growth and transformation. This year's official celebration in Saudi Arabia reflects how tourism is being embraced to diversify economies and generate opportunities for all,” Pololikashvili added.

The global tourism sector is forecast to reach US$ 9.5 trillion in GDP contribution in 2023, according to the WTTC. This is in line with UNWTO's forecast that tourism remains well on track to reach 80% to 90% of pre-pandemic levels this year and is widely expected to exceed 2019 levels in 2024.

The global impact of tourism is growing in bridging cultures and providing business and employment opportunities.

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Saudi Arabia leads in commitment to sustainable tourism

The kingdom has seen record-breaking growth within the travel sector this year.

Saudi Arabia's Red Sea destination has begun welcoming its first tourists. Photo: Red Sea Global

Saudi Arabia has become a “must-see destination”, Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, said in Riyadh during the opening ceremony of World Tourism Day this weekend.

“This is a country that always looks forward, and in big ways,” he continued. “Saudi Arabia is now the second-biggest place for foreign direct investment projects in all the Middle East and Africa. I’m proud to say we count on the support of Saudi Arabia.”

The UNWTO has celebrated World Tourism Day in September since 1980. Every year, world leaders meet to discuss objectives and milestones to further boost the tourism sector, and this year was no different as about 500 top officials from 145 countries convened at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh to talk about the industry's latest developments, with a focus on sustainability, humanity and prosperity.

Winston Duke speaks in Saudi Arabia for World Tourism Day

“This World Tourism Day, we focus on the vital need to invest in building a more sustainable sector for people, planet and prosperity,” said Pololikashvili. “The day also makes clear why UNWTO underscores the need for investment in education and for greater innovation as the foundations for long-term growth and transformation.”

The kingdom's dynamic tourism industry was also under the microscope, as leaders congratulated the country on its vision and discussed issues of climate change, governance and empowering people across the world.

Saudi Arabia is the chair of the UNWTO Executive Council this year as Riyadh is home to the organisation's first regional office for the Middle East. Last year, Saudi Arabia also hosted the 116th session of the UNWTO Executive Council with a focus on advancing sustainability across the board, from governance to investing in infrastructure and youth.

The fastest growth in the Middle East

Around the world, the tourism sector accounts for 1 in 10 jobs, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) said, although it's an industry that was significantly affected by the pandemic. Saudi Arabia, however, has seen unprecedented growth over the past few years, since it opened its borders to recreational visitors.

“Since embarking on our tourism journey, Saudi Arabia has been committed to enhancing the sector and generating an impact that extends beyond borders,” said Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb.

Fahd Hamidaddin, chief executive of Saudi Tourism Authority, said the country is “blessed to experience a growth like no other”.

“The last seven months have seen a record-breaking growth for Saudi Arabia. We are experiencing an economic revolution … and all of this is a manifestation of a new leadership,” he said.

The value of the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia is expected to reach $93.4 billion in 2023, said Arnold Donald, chairman of WTTC. He said it makes up 10 per cent of Saudi Arabia’s GDP and they expect the sector to “grow at the fastest pace in the Middle East”.

By 2030, the country hopes to welcome more than 100 million visitors annually.

The sector will also add one million jobs over the next 10 years, the Ministry of Tourism announced earlier this month. At the event, Al Khateeb also unveiled plans for the Riyadh School for Tourism and Hospitality, an ambitious project that will cost more than $1 billion. It aims to be a student-centric facility, which will span five million square metres in Qiddiya and offer a hybrid curriculum that aims to bridge the global tourism skills gap.

“The Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality is Saudi Arabia’s gift to the world,” he said. “Through its pioneering curriculum, that will offer comprehensive higher education courses covering all aspects of the tourism and hospitality industry, the school represents Saudi Arabia’s commitment to providing comprehensive, progressive education that empowers individuals, both domestically and internationally.

“As we invest in the next generation of tourism professionals, we are not only securing the industry’s future, but also fostering a legacy of excellence that will drive prosperity, stimulate individual growth of citizens and foster cultural exchange for years to come.”

Saudi Vision 2030 focuses on sustainability and regenerative tourism

The $500 billion megacity Neom in Tabuk , north-western Saudi Arabia, will be the country's first city to have zero carbon emissions and 95 per cent of the development will remain untouched for nature and conservation.

Sunset in Neom's Hisma Desert. All photos: Getty Images / Unsplash

In a major step in Saudi Arabia's shift away from an oil-based economy, Neom will also be powered entirely by clean energy, with no carbon-emitting vehicles.

Elsewhere, Red Sea Global is pioneering regenerative tourism with its Red Sea project, located on Saudi Arabia's western coast, as it aims to preserve the kingdom's pristine and untouched waters, coast and to further enhance coral reefs. The development, which is already in the first stage of opening , spans 28,000 square kilometres of land, including an archipelago of more than 90 islands, promising turquoise-lined coastlines, unrivalled marine life and a variety of upscale accommodation options.

The under-construction King Salman International Airport in Riyadh will also incorporate green technology in its design and aims to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) platinum certification, the Saudi Press Agency said, which means it generates less waste, consumes less energy, water and other resources, making it more resilient and environmentally friendly.

A sustainable hospitality industry

Hotels in the kingdom have also aligned with the Saudi Vision 2030, to lead and build with the most sustainable practices.

Guests are paying more attention than ever to how a hotel leaves its mark on the world around it, with an increasing number deciding to book a stay based on a property’s carbon footprint and how it supports the communities in which it operates, said Haitham Mattar, managing director at IHG Hotels & Resorts, which currently operates 40 hotels across Saudi Arabia.

“New destinations such as the Red Sea Development and Neom, for example, are incorporating key initiatives to ensure environmental sustainability.

“With a massive footprint across the globe, the tourism and hospitality sectors play an important role in working towards a sustainable future. As one of the world’s leading hotel companies, we embrace our responsibility and opportunity to make a positive difference and help shape the future of responsible travel.”

Guenter Gebhard, regional vice president and general manager at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, told The National on the sidelines at World Tourism Day that the hotel takes its sustainability initiatives seriously. “The hotel does not use plastic water bottles, we only use glass. We will have a hydroponic plantation, we will start growing tomato, salads, herbs and more higher up rather than on ground,” he explained.

“We have changed our lighting systems into LED to reduce our electricity load and we intend to do the same with ACs,” he added. “We're just finishing off our water bottling plant, which will go active hopefully by either December this year or January of next year. That means we're not even bringing water in any more. We have our own water purification system – that will then be bottled as still and sparkling and will go out into the restaurants and into the rooms. This will be free.”

Radisson Hotel Group also aims to remain steadfast in its commitment to a sustainable future, with a goal to become net zero by 2050, said Basel Talal, the group's managing director for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the Levant.

Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Al Naseem hotel, for example, utilises a state-of-the-art food recycling system, transforming 75kg of daily food waste into organic compost, reducing waste volume by about 90 per cent.

“It is imperative to strategise on how tourism can be a catalyst for fostering opportunities for people, spearheading a green transformation, and manifesting sustainability for the planet, thus paving the way for inclusive prosperity,” said Talal.

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Global tourism leaders unite in Saudi Arabia for World Tourism Day

Saudi Arabia will host this year’s UNWTO World Tourism Day (WTD) in Riyadh – four years after it first opened to global tourists in 2019 – from September 27 to 28.

WTD 2023 will feature a series of engaging sessions, panel discussions, and workshops led by renowned sector experts and government leaders. Event participants will also attend a gala dinner in Riyadh’s UNESCO Heritage site, Diriyah, to celebrate World Tourism Day and its global significance.

Global ministers, industry leaders and experts will highlight the power of tourism and explore avenues for collaboration to foster growth of the sector, placing people, the planet and prosperity front and centre of proceedings.

Under the theme of  Tourism and Green Investments , WTD 2023 will examine the role of investment in people and planet to secure livelihoods and foster mutual understanding, while exploring opportunities to extend the reach of the industry’s economic and social impact to more people around the world, safeguarding prosperity for all.

As one of the biggest economic drivers of the global economy, the global tourism sector is responsible for a wealth of business and employment opportunities, while also playing a key role in bridging cultures, connecting people and enhancing mutual understanding. Reflective of the sector’s potential as a key driver for change, three themes will guide proceedings of the event: mutual understanding, economic sustainability, and social prosperity.

Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, said: “We have a historic opportunity to chart a new course for the global tourism sector, centred on sustainable development, job creation, and economic resilience. Tourism – as a catalyst for change – fosters mutual understanding, builds bridges and safeguards cultural heritage and environmental conservation, contributing to a more harmonious world.

“World Tourism Day 2023 is an important platform for the world to celebrate the sector’s successes and explore solutions to its challenges… we look forward to welcoming tourism leaders from the public and private sectors to Riyadh.”

UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili added: “This World Tourism Day, we focus on the vital need to invest in building a more sustainable sector for people, planet and prosperity. The day also makes clear why UNWTO underscores the need for investment in education and for greater innovation as the foundations for long-term growth and transformation.”

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World Tourism Day 2023 celebrations in Riyadh: Emphasis on green investments

As the Global Day of Observance for tourism, it offers a chance to celebrate the sector’s vital role in advancing peace and prosperity

World Tourism Day 2023 is being marked on September 27. The tourism sector is a vital component of most countries’ GDP and employs one in every ten people on Earth, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Theme and significance

The theme for the global sector to come together this year is  “tourism and green investments.”

UNWTO has identified investments as one of the key priorities for tourism’s recovery and future growth and development. For World Tourism Day 2023, UNWTO highlights the need for more and better-targeted investments for people, for planet and for prosperity.

World Tourism Day 2023 will be a call to action to the international community, governments, multilateral financial institutions, development partners and private sector investors to unite around a new tourism investment strategy.

UNWTO ‘s member states will mark the occasion in every region across the world through a range of special events and programmes.

UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili says, “Tourism has never been more important for our economies or for our societies. Its potential is enormous. And so on this World Tourism Day, we celebrate tourism’s ability to drive growth while also highlighting the vital need for investments to ensure such growth is inclusive and sustainable.”

Celebrations

World Tourism Day 2023 is set to be the biggest celebration so far. UNWTO will welcome representatives from more than 100 of its member states, including more than 50 ministers of tourism. Joining them will be high-level representatives from tourism’s private sector, both from the Middle East region and globally in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia will welcome delegates for the 43rd Edition of World Tourism Day 2023 celebrations as the host country. The kingdom has organised a conference that will look at the theme for this year. Additionally, delegates will participate in multiple conferences over two days.

The conversations will focus on the importance of:

• Investment for People (by investing in education and skills),
• For Planet (by investing in sustainable infrastructure and accelerating green transformation)
• For Prosperity (by investing in innovation, technology and entrepreneurship).
• In Riyadh, UNWTO will present its Global Tourism Investment Framework and hold a series of high-level panels focusing on the challenges and opportunities surrounding investment in tourism.

The official World Tourism Day celebrations will also see the winners of the inaugural UNWTO Women in Tech Startup Competition for the Middle East announced.

History of World Tourism Day

The first World Tourism Day was held in 1980. As the Global Day of Observance for tourism, it offers a chance to celebrate the sector’s vital role in advancing peace and prosperity and UNWTO’s global regions take turns in hosting the official celebrations, always around a timely and relevant theme.

The date of September 27 marks the day the Statutes of the Organization that became UNWTO were signed.

How tourism should invest to contribute to the SDGs

The possibilities of strategic investment for this triple dimension are immense:

• For the People by investing in education and skills: Looking ahead, the global tourism workforce will require millions of hospitality graduates annually between now and 2030 and a further 800,000 jobs a year will require specific vocational training. For these reasons, we need to invest in people, as they are the foundation of tourism so that all those who wish to be part of the sector have the same opportunities to access quality tourism training, anywhere in the world.
• For the Planet by investing in sustainable infrastructure and accelerating green transformation: Looking into the future, the need to reduce emissions provides an investment opportunity of $24.7 trillion in the green buildings sector of emerging market cities by 2030, in which hotels, resorts, and restaurants account for $1.5 trillion. In addition, tourism faces a lot more investment opportunities related to new solutions and technologies to decarbonize the sector as well as to ensure climate-resilient infrastructure through adaptation solutions.
• For Prosperity by investing in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurshi: Digitalisation and innovation programs are a strategic priority to support particularly young people and women, which are critical to upskill the tourism sector’s workforce. Moreover, the global need to increase investments in programs that support and incentivize entrepreneurship and generate opportunities for innovations is highly need it in the tourism sector.

Also read: DCT Abu Dhabi, Mubadala to invest Dhs50m in cultural industry

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World Tourism Day 2023 Takes on Riyadh

By Haneen.Sh

World Tourism Day (WTD) 2023, under the title of “Tourism and Green Investments,” is preparing to take on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 27th and 28th. The highly anticipated event will involve global cooperation in exploring investment prospects to strengthen the tourism industry’s resilience and propel it into a future centered on sustainability and investment.

WTD 2023 will include top-tier tourism leaders who will engage in keynote addresses and panel discussions revolving around the three fundamental UNWTO themes: people, planet, and prosperity. The event will act as a forum for participants to delve into the major potential of tourism. It will spotlight tourism’s role in helping cross-cultural connections, preserving our environment, and pursuing a more interconnected global community.

The day of the event focuses on the UNWTO theme of ‘Tourism and Green Investments.’ Panels will examine different subjects, including the role of tourism in building bridges, investment in human capital, unlocking the potential of less-explored tourism destinations, the challenges and solutions for a sustainable future, and highlighting the importance of innovation gap and entrepreneurship. The first day will include a dinner at Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, to celebrate WTD2023.

Day two consists of a ‘’Tourism for People, Prosperity, and Intercultural Dialogue’ theme. It encompasses sessions dedicated to the public and private sectors. The public sector session will look at the industry’s sustainable future, while the private sector session will delve into different travel experiences. Notably, the event will include a session for the handover of WTD 2024 from Saudi Arabia to Georgia, setting the stage for Georgia’s hosting of the event next year.

The event has an impressive lineup of speakers, including Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, and Saudi Deputy Tourism Minister Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud. These speakers, along with other additional global figures, signify the industry’s commitment to celebrating achievements and devising solutions to key challenges

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recognizes tourism as an influential force for progress. On World Tourism Day, he emphasizes the critical need for green investments to construct a tourism sector that benefits both people and the planet. World Tourism Day 2023 is sure to shape the concept of tourism towards a more sustainable and prosperous direction.

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Global tourism leaders and sector experts unite in Saudi for World Tourism Day 2023

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 Favorite

Leaders from across the global tourism sector are set to unite in Riyadh for this year’s UNWTO World Tourism Day (WTD), which will be celebrated from 27th-28th September.

Through a range of impactful events, global ministers, industry leaders and experts will highlight the power of tourism and explore avenues for collaboration to foster growth of the sector, placing people, the planet and prosperity front and center of proceedings.

Under the theme of “Tourism and Green Investments”, WTD 2023 will examine the role of investment in people and planet to secure livelihoods and foster mutual understanding, while exploring opportunities to extend the reach of the industry’s economic and social impact to more people around the world, safeguarding prosperity for all.

The global tourism sector is forecast to reach $9.5 trillion in GDP contribution in 2023, according to the WTTC.

This is in line with UNWTO’s forecast that tourism remains well on track to reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels this year and is widely expected to exceed 2019 levels in 2024.

As one of the biggest economic drivers of the global economy, the sector is responsible for a wealth of business and employment opportunities, while also playing a key role in bridging cultures, connecting people and enhancing mutual understanding.

Reflective of the sector’s potential as a key driver for change, three themes will guide proceedings of the event: mutual understanding, economic sustainability, and social prosperity.

His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, said:

“We have a historic opportunity to chart a new course for the global tourism sector, centered on sustainable development, job creation, and economic resilience. Tourism – as a catalyst for change – fosters mutual understanding, builds bridges and safeguards cultural heritage and environmental conservation, contributing to a more harmonious world.

World Tourism Day 2023 is an important platform for the world to celebrate the sector’s successes and explore solutions to its challenges.

Saudi Arabia is honored to host this esteemed occasion and they look forward to welcoming tourism leaders from the public and private sectors to Riyadh.

Additionally, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UNWTO, added:

“This World Tourism Day, we focus on the vital need to invest in building a more sustainable sector for people, planet and prosperity.

The day also makes clear why UNWTO underscores the need for investment in education and for greater innovation as the foundations for long-term growth and transformation. This year’s official celebration in Saudi Arabia reflects how tourism is being embraced to diversify economies and generate opportunities for all.”

By hosting this event four years after it first opened to global tourists in 2019, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment as a dedicated tourism sector convenor that aims to showcase its progress in connecting Saudis to the world, building bridges between cultures, nurturing hospitality talent and creating investment opportunities for the international community.

Marking the most significant assembly of global tourism leaders in the 43-year history of World Tourism Day, gauged by the number of ministers in attendance, WTD 2023 will feature a series of engaging sessions, panel discussions, and workshops led by renowned sector experts and government leaders.

Event participants will also attend a gala dinner in Riyadh’s UNESCO Heritage Site, Diriyah, to celebrate World Tourism Day and its global significance.

The scale of the event being hosted in Riyadh showcases the importance attached by the Saudi Arabian government to the development of the global tourism sector, and follows the Kingdom’s election to Chair of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for 2023.

The event in Riyadh for the UNWTO WTD 2023 on 27 and 28 September showcases the capital’s growth as a hub for major business events and promises to be a major milestone in the global tourism calendar, offering valuable insights and inspiring discussions on the role of tourism to bridge cultures and foster mutual understanding.

Source: Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia

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Discover the magic of Saudi: World Tourism Day, FIFA Club World Cup, Riyadh Season and more

Whether you're a football fanatic, a history buff, a music lover or a culinary explorer, Saudi promises an unforgettable journey that combines tradition, innovation and warm hospitality to all its visitors.

Tuesday 10 October 2023 23:06, UK

Saudi, a land of rich history, breath-taking landscapes and unmatched hospitality, is set to host visitors from around the world in the coming months with a line-up of exciting events and unique attractions.

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From the celebration of World Tourism Day in Riyadh to the thrill of the FIFA Club World Cup in Jeddah, and the dazzling Riyadh Season, Saudi has something for everyone as it showcases its broad choice of entertainment and cultural heritage.

With its practical and convenient eVisa system, accessible transportation options and cutting-edge payment solutions like Apple Pay, visiting Saudi has never been easier, or more inviting.

One of the best examples of this new Saudi is World Tourism Day.

The event, celebrated every year on 27 September and hosted in Riyadh this year, is an opportunity for countries to promote tourism's social, cultural, and economic significance.

In Saudi, this day is marked with various events and exhibitions that highlight the country's deep history and customs. Tourists were able to explore cultural sites, visit museums and enjoy traditional Saudi cuisine during the celebration.

This World Tourism Day also saw Saudi partner with the UN to launch the Open Minds Campaign.

Alongside the UN World Tourism Office, Saudi pledged to help develop tourism in less visited regions, to open up new opportunities, and to create moments to establish a dialogue between strangers.

Travel should be an experience that connects strangers and brings us closer together as a global population.

From culture to corner kicks, Saudi is also set to host the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup in Jeddah on 12-22 December 2023.

Saudi's enthusiasm for sports is undeniable, and the tournament is a testament to this passion.

The country is experienced at welcoming teams and fans from across the globe having hosted a Formula One Grand Prix for several years now.

The Club World Cup will not only showcase world-class athleticism but will also offer a unique opportunity to experience Saudi's vibrant atmosphere and hospitality.

Another chance to catch a glimpse of this distinctive heritage is during Riyadh Season (28 October). The event is an annual entertainment extravaganza that transforms the capital city into a hub of cultural and artistic activities in October of every year, running until March the following year.

The event features concerts, theatre performances, art exhibitions, sports showdowns and culinary delights, making it an unmissable experience for visitors. Riyadh Season demonstrates Saudi's commitment to becoming a global leisure destination.

Visitors can got to RiyadhSeason.com to buy tickets for events taking place during this period, including the heavyweight boxing showdown between Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury.

As a tourist destination, Saudi boasts a diverse range of historic and natural treasures, including seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

These sites offer a window into the country's fascinating past and stunning landscapes, with Hegra in AlUla being a good example of this. An ancient Nabatean city and the first UNESCO heritage site registered in Saudi, Hegra is known for its remarkable rock-cut tombs and archaeological significance.

Elsewhere in the country, the coastal city of Jeddah has a historic district that traces its roots back to the 7th Century.

Sitting on the 2,000km Red Sea coast, Jeddah became an important harbour for ships travelling on trade routes across the Indian Ocean, bringing goods to Makkah. This trade transformed the city into a vibrant multicultural hub, known for its unique architectural style.

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is the At-Turaif District in Diriyah, Riyadh, which served as the birthplace of the Saudi state, located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula.

Established in the 15th Century, the site showcases the unique Najdi architectural style while offering an experience of the Saudi dynasty's first capital city. Diriyah is a must-see for visitors to the country as it boasts unique historic and culinary offerings throughout the year.

The best part? Enjoying all of this has never been easier.

Thanks to the introduction of eVisas and improved accessibility, visiting Saudi has become more practical than ever. The country now offers convenient eVisas to more than 50 countries, making the application process quick and hassle-free for tourists. This initiative encourages travellers to make their first trip to Saudi and explore the country's diverse attractions.

For travellers in transit, Saudi offers the Stopover Visa, allowing them to experience a taste of the country during layovers for up to 96 hours.

While in the kingdom there is an array of transportation choices, including ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem, car rentals, and a well-connected public transportation system. These options ensure visitors can explore the nation with ease and flexibility.

Meanwhile, the Gulf country is at the forefront of adopting modern payment solutions, including Apple Pay and contactless payments. Tourists can enjoy the convenience of cashless transactions at hotels, restaurants, and shops. This innovative approach enhances the overall travel experience by providing a secure and efficient way to manage finances while exploring the country.

Saudi's calendar is filled with exciting activities and events that cater to a wide range of interests, from sports enthusiasts to culture lovers.

With its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, practical eVisa system, accessible transportation options, and cutting-edge payment solutions, visiting Saudi has never been more appealing. This land of contrasts, where ancient history meets modernity, invites travellers to discover its treasures, embrace its culture, and create unforgettable memories.

So, whether you're a football fanatic, a history buff, a music lover, or a culinary explorer, Saudi promises an unforgettable journey that combines tradition, innovation, and warm hospitality to all its visitors.

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Designing the Future of Travel: Global Leaders Gather in Saudi Arabia for World Tourism Day 2023

T ourism leaders from around the world will join together in Saudi Arabia’s capital city, Riyadh, for 2023’s United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Tourism Day on September 27 and 28. Global tourism ministers and others in the industry will participate in events to connect and collaborate. The location of this year’s event shows how far tourism has come in the few short years since Saudi Arabia opened to tourists in 2019.

This year, World Tourism Day’s theme is “Tourism and Green Investments.” The focus will be on sustainability for both people and the environment as the tourism industry’s economic and social impact grows. Three key aspects will guide the event: mutual understanding, economic sustainability, and social prosperity.

UNWTO forecasts tourism to reach 80 to 95 percent of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, with some organizations putting the total tourism value at $9.5 trillion in GDP contribution, according to a press release. By 2024, tourism is expected to surpass 2019.

“We have a historic opportunity to chart a new course for the global tourism sector, centered on sustainable development, job creation, and economic resilience,” Ahmed Al-Khateeb, minister of tourism of Saudi Arabia, says in a press release. “Tourism – as a catalyst for change – fosters mutual understanding, builds bridges and safeguards cultural heritage and environmental conservation, contributing to a more harmonious world.”

In 2023, Saudi Arabia was elected to Chair of the UNWTO. The country’s Ministry of Tourism was founded in 2020, and leads Saudi Arabia’s efforts to create jobs and welcome 100 million visits by 2030 with the goal of growing tourism from three percent of GDP to 10 percent. It’s already well on it’s way: destinations in Saudi Arabia feature world-class hotels like Habitas and Banyan Tree , adventure trips to historic sites , and unparalleled stargazing experiences .

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