UNWTO opens first regional office in Saudi

Published on : Thursday, May 27, 2021

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has opened its first regional office for the Middle East. UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili was joined by Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb at a ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to officially open the office. They were also joined by tourism ministers from across both Middle East and from every other global region, as well as by leaders from the private sector.

The new office will serve as a hub for UNWTO to coordinate policy and initiatives across its 13 member states in the region. Pololikashvili said in a statement that the first UNWTO regional office will be a centre of conversation, debate and decision-making and bring hope to many people across the region allowing them to enjoy the social and economic benefits only tourism can deliver. He shared that work on the office began after the start of the pandemic, and stands as a proof of determination and the strong support of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Mister Al Khateeb added that authorities are thrilled to host the new Regional Office in Saudi Arabia. He said that the move demonstrates Saudi’s commitment to working with partners at the UNWTO to develop a strong industry based on the principles of sustainability and opportunities for all, across the region and globally.