Riyadh Makes History: UNWTO’s 50-Year Roadmap Declares the Future of Global Tourism – Is the Industry Ready for What’s Coming Next?

Published on November 12, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

The 26th United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly has officially concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in the future of global tourism. The culmination of the event has resulted in the adoption of the “Riyadh Declaration,” a visionary document that outlines a comprehensive 50-year roadmap for sustainable tourism development, shaping the travel industry for decades to come.

What is the Riyadh Declaration?

The Riyadh Declaration is a groundbreaking framework adopted during the UNWTO General Assembly held in Saudi Arabia. It aims to provide a long-term vision for the future of tourism, focusing on the sustainable development of the sector while addressing global challenges. This declaration sets clear goals for tourism’s role in fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and environmental preservation over the next five decades.

Where Did the UN Tourism 26th General Assembly Take Place?

The UNWTO’s 26th General Assembly took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where global tourism leaders, experts, and stakeholders gathered to discuss the future of tourism. The Assembly marked the first time Saudi Arabia hosted this important event, underscoring the Kingdom’s increasing prominence as a hub for international dialogue on tourism. Riyadh, the nation’s capital, became a focal point for discussions around the revitalization and evolution of the tourism industry in the post-pandemic era.

Why is the Riyadh Declaration Significant for the Future of Tourism?

The Riyadh Declaration is significant because it represents a collective commitment from the global tourism community to build a sustainable and inclusive future for tourism. The document recognizes the critical role tourism plays in the world economy and aims to address the pressing issues of sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience within the sector. The declaration emphasizes the need for balanced growth, ensuring that tourism benefits both host communities and travelers alike while minimizing its environmental footprint.

It also highlights the importance of fostering innovation and digital transformation, ensuring that the tourism industry can adapt to future trends, such as the increasing demand for eco-friendly travel and the rise of digital experiences. By setting a 50-year roadmap, the declaration provides a strategic guide for governments, private sector stakeholders, and international organizations to follow in order to achieve these ambitious objectives.

When Was the UN Tourism 26th General Assembly Held?

The UN Tourism 26th General Assembly took place in November 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the future of the global tourism industry. Over the course of several days, tourism ministers, business leaders, and experts engaged in discussions, presentations, and workshops focused on tackling the most pressing issues facing the tourism sector today. The conclusion of the Assembly saw the formal adoption of the Riyadh Declaration, setting the stage for future initiatives in global tourism development.

How Will the Riyadh Declaration Impact Global Tourism?

The Riyadh Declaration outlines a series of key actions aimed at transforming the tourism sector over the next 50 years. It sets ambitious goals for improving tourism’s contribution to sustainable economic development, including measures to enhance job creation, support local economies, and promote inclusive growth. The roadmap also emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage, biodiversity, and natural landscapes, ensuring that tourism development aligns with environmental sustainability.

A central focus of the declaration is the establishment of policies that foster collaboration among governments, the private sector, and local communities. By encouraging public-private partnerships, the Riyadh Declaration aims to ensure that tourism growth benefits all stakeholders, particularly those in underserved regions. Additionally, the declaration advocates for the use of new technologies, including digital tools and data analytics, to enhance tourist experiences, streamline operations, and reduce environmental impact.

What Are the Key Components of the 50-Year Tourism Roadmap?

The 50-year roadmap outlined in the Riyadh Declaration covers several critical areas of tourism development:

1. Sustainable Tourism Practices: Emphasis on minimizing tourism’s environmental impact through sustainable practices, responsible resource management, and eco-friendly travel options.
2. Economic Growth and Job Creation: A focus on generating employment opportunities and stimulating local economies by investing in tourism infrastructure and creating new markets for local businesses.
3. Cultural Preservation: Promoting the protection and preservation of cultural heritage sites, traditions, and communities, ensuring that tourism contributes to the safeguarding of cultural identity.
4. Technological Innovation: Harnessing digital tools, AI, and data analytics to enhance travel experiences, improve efficiency, and make tourism more accessible to a wider audience.
5. Inclusive and Accessible Tourism: Ensuring that tourism is accessible to all, including marginalized groups, people with disabilities, and underrepresented communities, to create more equitable opportunities across the globe.

What Happens Next After the Riyadh Declaration?

With the adoption of the Riyadh Declaration, the UNWTO and its member states are now tasked with translating the ambitious goals of the 50-year roadmap into actionable policies and projects. Governments will work alongside industry leaders to align their tourism strategies with the declaration’s objectives. Over the coming years, the tourism sector will see a shift towards more sustainable practices, enhanced digital services, and greater collaboration between stakeholders.

This declaration marks the beginning of a new era for global tourism, one focused on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. As nations begin to implement the roadmap, travelers and destinations alike can expect to see a more responsible, inclusive, and forward-thinking tourism industry emerge.