Saudi Arabia Now All Set to Host Historic UN Tourism General Assembly to Redefine the Future of Global Tourism, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on October 9, 2025

Saudi Arabia is making history by hosting the 26th session of the UN General Assembly for Tourism in November of 2025. This year, the General Assembly is slated to host the 50th Anniversary of the UN World Tourism Organization with the theme, “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.” As the host for this important gathering, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia illustrates its growing prominence and potential within the international tourism industry and its impact in the connected world.

The General Assembly in UN tourism is one of the most important gatherings of its kind and for this year, the attendance of 160+ member states is poised to redefine the dimension of this world conference. The tourism industry in the world has become one of the most deterministic and important sectors in the industry. The flow of international money within the countries, border and custom control, immigration and international policies makes tourism a world changing industry. This year, international tourism stakeholders will discuss the intersection of the industry and contemporary technologies such as AI and digital technologies.

Saudi Arabia’s Historic Role in Global Tourism Diplomacy

For the first time, Saudi Arabia will be hosting the UN Tourism General Assembly, making it the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country to hold this prestigious event. This milestone not only highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing stature in the global tourism community but also reflects the world’s confidence in the Kingdom’s ability to lead international dialogue on tourism and sustainable development.

H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, expressed the Kingdom’s excitement about hosting the session, emphasizing the importance of redefining global tourism strategies through AI-powered solutions. “We look forward to hosting the world’s leading organization for tourism in a session that will redefine global action in this increasingly vital sector and beyond,” he stated. Minister Al Khateeb also stressed the significance of the event in the context of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious plan to diversify its economy and become a global tourism hub.

AI-Powered Tourism: The Future of Travel and Technology Integration

The central theme of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly—”AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future”—reflects the growing role of technology in shaping the future of travel. Artificial intelligence is already transforming various sectors, and tourism is no exception. AI has the potential to enhance tourist experiences, streamline tourism services, and increase efficiency in everything from booking systems to customer service.

The focus on AI-powered tourism comes at a time when the industry is grappling with post-pandemic recovery and evolving consumer expectations. The introduction of AI tools, such as personalized travel recommendations, intelligent chatbots, and data-driven insights, is expected to shape the next phase of tourism by improving both the operational and experiential aspects of the industry.

The AI-powered tourism sessions will explore how emerging technologies can be integrated into travel experiences to enhance customer satisfaction, improve sustainability, and optimize resource management across the tourism industry. These discussions will not only focus on technology but will also highlight how digital advancements can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable tourism model, supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Economic and Cultural Impact of Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Vision

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is increasingly becoming a central pillar of the country’s economic diversification. Under Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom has set its sights on transforming tourism into a key driver of economic growth. By hosting the UN Tourism General Assembly, Saudi Arabia is showcasing its ambition to develop a robust and sustainable tourism ecosystem that generates jobs, attracts investment, and boosts cultural exchanges.

The Kingdom’s strategic location in the heart of the Middle East positions it as a key hub for international travel, making it an ideal setting for global tourism dialogues. Saudi Arabia’s investments in its tourism infrastructure, including new luxury resorts, cultural destinations, and historical sites, will make it a major player in the global tourism market for years to come.

The government’s focus on cultural heritage tourism and religious tourism also plays a crucial role in driving visitor numbers. The sacred cities of Mecca and Medina draw millions of Muslim tourists each year, while the Red Sea coastline and Neom projects are attracting a new wave of tourists interested in luxury travel, wellness, and sustainability.

The TOURISE Summit: A Platform for Global Collaboration

Immediately following the UN Tourism General Assembly, Saudi Arabia will host the TOURISE Summit from November 11-13, 2025. TOURISE is a new global platform that aims to bring together public and private sector leaders in tourism, technology, investment, sustainability, and culture. The summit will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to tackle global challenges, unlock new opportunities, and shape the future of the tourism sector.

TOURISE’s focus on collaboration and multilateral cooperation aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of positioning itself as a leader in global tourism. By convening thought leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from around the world, the summit aims to address critical issues facing the tourism industry, including sustainability, equity, and digital transformation.

Key Themes at the UN Tourism General Assembly

The 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly will feature several key activities, including plenary sessions, specialized committee meetings, and thematic discussions. One of the most anticipated sessions will address the future of tourism in an AI-driven age. Experts will explore the potential of AI to revolutionize the industry by improving customer service, enhancing destination management, and offering personalized experiences for tourists.

Additionally, the assembly will focus on the election of the next UN Tourism Secretary-General and the 124th and 125th sessions of the UNWTO Executive Council, which will provide direction for the global tourism agenda in the years to come.

The Global Significance of Saudi Arabia’s Role

Saudi Arabia’s decision to host the UN Tourism General Assembly not only reflects its commitment to fostering international cooperation but also signals its growing influence in shaping the future of global tourism. By focusing on sustainability and the transformative power of AI in tourism, the Kingdom is positioning itself at the forefront of the industry’s digital transformation.

As the first GCC country to host the UN Tourism General Assembly, Saudi Arabia is proving its capacity to convene key international dialogues and shape the global tourism narrative. The event offers a unique opportunity to redefine the future of tourism by fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainability—values that are critical as the tourism industry navigates the challenges and opportunities of the next 50 years.

Saudi Arabia’s Growing Role in Global Tourism

As a result of its efforts, Saudi Arabia has placed itself at the front of cultural diplomacy tourism, hosting the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly and the TOURISE Summit. With a combination of AI-driven tourism, sustained collaboration, and the Kingdom’s focus on tourism innovation, the Kingdom celebrates UNWTO’s 50th anniversary positioned on the future of tourism. There are predictions that Saudi Arabia, through these events, will shape the future of tourism on a global and regional level from its growing position as a tourism powerhouse.