Saudi Arabia And Global Tourism Leaders Gain Spotlight As World Economic Forum Reveals Beyond Tourism Impact Stars Driving Sustainable Travel Transformation

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The Beyond Tourism Impact Stars program by the World Economic Forum is currently shining a spotlight on the best innovative examples of sustainable tourism across the globe. As part of the program, 6 outstanding examples of efforts to integration of environmental and social-sustainability into the field of tourism, have been recognized.

The new programme highlights practical solutions from across the tourism sector that aim to create stronger destinations while addressing some of the industry’s biggest challenges, including climate change, rising costs, workforce shortages and pressure on local infrastructure.

Developed in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, the initiative forms part of the World Economic Forum’s wider Beyond Tourism programme, which connects governments, businesses and global stakeholders to build a more resilient and responsible tourism economy.

Tourism is entering a major transformation phase as global travel demand continues to expand. The sector is expected to contribute around $16 trillion to global GDP by 2034, accounting for more than 11% of the world economy. However, this growth is happening alongside increasing environmental pressures, geopolitical uncertainty, operational challenges and the need to ensure local communities benefit from tourism development.

The Beyond Tourism Impact Stars programme, created with global consulting firm Kearney, showcases private-sector projects that combine business growth with measurable social and environmental impact.

The selected initiatives represent different areas of tourism development, including water conservation, heritage preservation, community-led tourism, environmental innovation and hospitality workforce training.

Global Tourism Leaders Highlight New Models For Responsible Growth

The Beyond Tourism Impact Stars initiative focuses on the idea that tourism success must go beyond visitor numbers and economic growth. It highlights projects that strengthen destinations while creating long-term value for communities, businesses and the environment.

The programme identifies how companies are developing new approaches to tourism challenges through technology, partnerships, local engagement and sustainable business practices.

The six recognised initiatives demonstrate how tourism organisations are working to improve resource management, protect cultural assets and expand opportunities for local communities.

Rather than treating commercial growth and positive impact as separate goals, the programme highlights examples where both objectives are connected through innovative business models.

The recognition comes as destinations worldwide face growing pressure to manage increasing visitor demand while protecting natural resources, maintaining cultural identity and ensuring residents benefit from tourism activity.

Accor Leads Water Conservation Efforts Across Global Hotel Network

One of the recognised initiatives is Accor’s Global Water Action programme, which focuses on making water conservation a core part of hotel operations worldwide.

The initiative encourages hotel teams to adopt practical conservation measures through staff training, local responsibility programmes and engagement activities designed to improve awareness around water use.

By integrating conservation into everyday hotel management, the programme aims to reduce water consumption while encouraging employees and properties to take an active role in environmental protection.

The initiative reflects the growing importance of resource efficiency within the hospitality sector, particularly as hotels face increasing pressure to reduce their environmental footprint.

Heritage Restoration Brings New Life To Historic Urban Destinations

The Reviving Downtown Cairo initiative by Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment has been recognised for its efforts to restore historic buildings and transform them into active cultural and commercial spaces.

The project focuses on preserving Cairo’s architectural heritage while adapting historic properties for modern uses. It combines restoration work with support for local businesses, cultural activities and community-focused development.

The approach demonstrates how heritage conservation can support tourism growth while maintaining the identity and character of historic urban areas.

By protecting important cultural assets and creating new opportunities around them, the initiative aims to build a more inclusive and sustainable destination model.

Community-Owned Tourism Models Expand Opportunities In Rural Areas

Discova’s Path to Self-Sufficient Tourism programme is recognised for supporting rural communities across Southeast Asia by helping them develop tourism businesses connected directly with visitor markets.

The initiative works to create commercially sustainable tourism enterprises while gradually increasing local ownership and decision-making.

Through skills development, market connections and business support, communities are encouraged to manage tourism activities independently and retain greater economic benefits.

The model reflects a wider shift towards community-based tourism, where local residents play a central role in creating authentic experiences and shaping destination development.

Himalayan Tourism Initiative Supports Local Economies In Remote Regions

GHE Impact Ventures’ Himalayan Living Commons programme focuses on increasing the share of tourism income retained by communities in remote areas of India.

The initiative combines local enterprise development, training programmes, infrastructure support and access to tourism markets to create community-led visitor economies.

Remote destinations often face challenges in accessing tourism investment and connecting with travellers. The programme aims to address these barriers by helping local communities build sustainable tourism businesses.

The initiative highlights the potential of tourism to support rural livelihoods while protecting local culture and natural environments.

Science And Technology Drive Tourism Sustainability Innovation

Iberostar’s Wave of Change: Using Science to Drive Operational Innovation has been recognised for applying scientific research, data, artificial intelligence and engineering solutions to improve tourism operations.

The initiative focuses on reducing environmental impacts, supporting ecosystem restoration and improving the resilience of hospitality businesses.

By using technology and scientific approaches, the programme aims to help tourism operators make better decisions around sustainability and operational efficiency.

The project reflects the increasing role of innovation in helping the tourism industry respond to climate challenges and changing traveller expectations.

Saudi Hospitality Talent Programme Strengthens Future Workforce

Sommet Education’s Empowering Saudi Hospitality Talent initiative focuses on developing skilled professionals for Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding tourism sector.

The programme provides hospitality education and career development opportunities covering entry-level training, professional skills and leadership preparation.

As Saudi Arabia continues investing in tourism infrastructure and experiences, workforce development has become a key priority for supporting long-term industry growth.

The initiative aims to create stronger career pathways while helping meet the future talent needs of the hospitality sector.

Beyond Tourism Day To Bring Global Industry Leaders Together

The six Impact Stars will be recognised during the World Economic Forum’s first Beyond Tourism Day in Geneva, Switzerland.

The event, held under the theme “Resilient Growth. Renewed Impact”, will bring together representatives from business, government and civil society to discuss the future direction of global tourism.

Key discussions will focus on destination resilience, workforce development, technology, investment and scalable solutions for the travel industry.

Taking place shortly before World Tourism Day on September 27, the gathering aims to expand global conversations about tourism’s role in economic development, employment creation and community empowerment.

The event will also examine how tourism can become a stronger driver of inclusive growth while responding to environmental and operational challenges.

Tourism Sector Moves Towards A More Resilient Future

The launch of the Beyond Tourism Impact Stars highlights a growing movement within the travel industry towards responsible growth models.

From protecting water resources and restoring heritage sites to empowering communities and developing skilled workers, the recognised initiatives show how tourism businesses are adapting to a rapidly changing global environment.

As international travel continues to expand, the future success of tourism will increasingly depend on balancing economic opportunities with environmental responsibility and community benefits.

Saudi Arabia and global tourism leaders have gained worldwide attention as the World Economic Forum reveals Beyond Tourism Impact Stars, recognising six groundbreaking initiatives transforming sustainable travel through innovation, environmental action and community empowerment.

The World Economic Forum’s launch of Beyond Tourism Impact Stars recognizes the potential of the Saudi Arabian tourism sector to meaningfully engage with and benefit the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. With tourism leaders from around the world, the World Economic Forum uses examples of companies and destinations in Saudi Arabia to illustrate how sustainable and responsible tourism can contribute to the economy, protect the environment and improve the conditions of the population. The focus now is on how best to develop sustainable tourism destinations which also enhance the wellbeing of the local community and the traveller.