Saudi Arabia to Host 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, Marking the 50th Anniversary of UN Tourism and Paving the Way for AI-Powered Tourism and Global Sustainability

Published on October 8, 2025

Saudi Arabia is set to become the global focal point for the tourism industry in November 2025 as it hosts the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly from November 7 to 11. This prestigious event will not only mark the 50th anniversary of the United Nations’ specialized agency for tourism but also position Saudi Arabia as a key player in shaping the future of the global tourism industry. The assembly will take place under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future” and will bring together more than 160 member states, international organizations, and leading global industry players. The Kingdom will showcase its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the broader vision of enhancing global tourism.

This historic gathering will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, a city that has rapidly become a hub for international diplomacy and innovation. The assembly will discuss key topics, including the transformative role of artificial intelligence in tourism, sustainable practices in the sector, and the broader impact of Saudi Vision 2030. As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the assembly, it is also unveiling TOURISE, a new global platform for leaders across tourism, technology, investment, sustainability, and culture, to continue the momentum towards shaping the tourism sector’s future.

Key Highlights of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Saudi Arabia:

• Event Dates: November 7-11, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• Theme: “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.”
• Global Participation: Over 160 member states and organizations.
• Key Discussions: The future of AI in tourism, sustainability, and innovation in the industry.
• Post-Assembly Event: The TOURISE Summit (November 11-13, 2025), focusing on cross-sector collaboration.

Saudi Arabia’s Historic Moment in Global Tourism Diplomacy

In November 2025, Saudi Arabia will host the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, marking a monumental milestone in the history of global tourism diplomacy. This assembly will be significant not only for Saudi Arabia but also for the tourism industry at large, as it represents a major shift towards embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability in shaping the tourism landscape of the future. The theme for this year’s gathering, “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future,” signals the growing influence of technology in the sector, with AI poised to revolutionize everything from travel planning to personalized customer experiences.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, under the leadership of H.E. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, has played a pivotal role in bringing the UN Tourism General Assembly to the Kingdom. This opportunity underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering global dialogue and positioning itself as a leading figure in the tourism sector’s transformation. It is a landmark achievement for the Kingdom, as it will be the first GCC country to host this prestigious assembly.

The event will gather over 160 countries and key stakeholders from international organizations, tourism authorities, and private industry leaders. Together, they will chart a path toward a more sustainable, equitable, and AI-integrated future for the tourism sector. For Saudi Arabia, hosting this event aligns perfectly with the nation’s Vision 2030, a plan that aims to diversify the economy and develop tourism as a core pillar of the Kingdom’s growth.

AI-Powered Tourism: The Future of Travel

A key focus of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly will be the role of artificial intelligence in reshaping the tourism industry. As digitalization accelerates, AI technologies will become increasingly integral to enhancing the tourism experience. These innovations will improve everything from flight bookings, personalized travel itineraries, and immersive experiences in tourism attractions, to streamlining operational efficiency in hotels, airlines, and other travel services.

By discussing how AI can be leveraged to create more personalized and sustainable travel experiences, the General Assembly will spotlight the potential for data-driven solutions to tackle some of the industry’s most pressing challenges, including reducing carbon footprints, improving accessibility, and fostering more responsible tourism practices.

Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Transformation Under Vision 2030

The Kingdom’s commitment to transforming its tourism sector is closely aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes economic diversification and the development of the tourism sector as a critical growth engine. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has been making strides to become a top global tourism destination, unveiling a variety of ambitious projects, including the Red Sea Project and NEOM, which will feature futuristic tourist attractions, luxury resorts, and cutting-edge technologies.

Hosting the UN Tourism General Assembly in 2025 further reinforces the Kingdom’s leadership role in the global tourism conversation. By focusing on sustainable tourism, smart cities, and technology-driven solutions, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a forward-thinking destination that balances the preservation of its rich cultural heritage with modern advancements.

Launching TOURISE: A New Global Tourism Platform

In conjunction with the assembly, Saudi Arabia will launch the TOURISE Summit from November 11 to 13, 2025. TOURISE will serve as a global platform designed to unite public and private sector leaders in tourism, technology, investment, sustainability, and culture. The summit will address key issues facing the tourism industry, explore new opportunities, and foster cooperation across sectors to ensure a more inclusive and equitable future for global tourism.

TOURISE will not only serve as a crucial space for industry leaders to collaborate but will also set the stage for the next wave of tourism innovation. The Kingdom’s role as the host of this new platform underlines its commitment to being at the forefront of shaping the future of tourism on the global stage.

The Path Ahead: Saudi Arabia’s Growing Role in Global Tourism

As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly and launch the TOURISE Summit, it is clear that the Kingdom is poised to become a central player in the global tourism landscape. By combining international cooperation with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability, Saudi Arabia is set to redefine the tourism industry for the next half-century.

The Kingdom’s leadership in tourism diplomacy, its dedication to Vision 2030, and the TOURISE Summit will help set the stage for a sustainable, inclusive, and technology-driven tourism industry that benefits travelers, local communities, and the global economy. As the world gathers in Riyadh this November, the decisions made will likely shape the future of travel and tourism for decades to come.

Key Highlights:

• Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• Event: 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, November 7-11, 2025.
• Theme: “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.”
• Post-Assembly: The TOURISE Summit, focusing on tourism, technology, and sustainability (November 11-13, 2025).
• Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Transforming the Kingdom into a global tourism powerhouse.