Building Resilient Economies Through Travel and Tourism: A Vision for Global Growth
Davos, Switzerland– The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos this week saw a spotlight on the vital role of the Travel and Tourism sector in shaping the global landscape. His Excellency Ahmed A. Al-Khateeb, Saudi Arabia Minister of Tourism, took center stage, highlighting the transformative power of the industry and calling for focused attention from world leaders to drive sustainable economic growth.
The Minister’s Call to Action
Minister Al-Khateeb urged global leaders to recognize the significant contribution of the Travel and Tourism sector in catalyzing sustainable, cross-border economic growth. With Saudi Arabia hosting nearly 30 million international visitors in 2024, contributing 5% to the Kingdom’s GDP, the Minister emphasized the sector’s unprecedented growth rates and its pivotal role in building diversified and resilient economies.
Global Recognition at WEF
At the dedicated WEF sessions on travel and tourism, Minister Al-Khateeb highlighted Saudi Vision 2030’s impact on unlocking the sector’s potential. He underscored the importance of international collaboration, best practices, and sustainable development in creating a holistic tourism experience that drives economic prosperity.
Embracing Sustainable Growth
As the WEF Annual Meeting wrapped up, Minister Al-Khateeb emphasized the global resurgence of tourism, with the industry bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels in 2024. He stressed the need for collective action to balance economic growth with social and environmental responsibility, ensuring the sector’s resilience while meeting increasing demand.
A Vision for the Future
Minister Al-Khateeb’s participation at WEF showcased Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable tourism. With the launch of the “Hospitality Investor White Paper” during the event, the Ministry aims to attract private investments, boost GDP, and create jobs in line with Vision 2030’s ambitious targets. The Minister’s expert insights further underscored the growing demand for sustainable travel and the importance of global collaboration for inclusive growth.
In a world where travel and tourism are more than just industries, Minister Al-Khateeb’s vision for a vibrant tourism ecosystem resonates with the need to safeguard our planet and quality of life. As Saudi Arabia leads the way in reshaping the global tourism landscape, the Minister’s call for collective action echoes the imperative of balancing economic prosperity with social and environmental responsibility for a sustainable future.
