Rabat – The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) elected Saudi Arabia as the chair of the Executive Council on Thursday in Marrakech.
The election came as part of the UNWTO’s 117th executive council in Marrakech.
Saudi Arabia has now become the first Arab Gulf country to take charge of the chairmanship of the UNWTO’s executive body. Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, will represent the country.
Previously the vice-president of the executive council, Saudi Arabia will now replace Cote d’Ivoire as Chair.
Commenting on his country’s election, Al-Khateeb said that Saudi Arabia believes “in the mission of UNWTO and looks forward to working with all countries to advance the global tourism sector.”
The minister added, “Saudi Arabia has been an active partner to the UNWTO, launching initiatives, championing new thinking and opening the first Regional Office to help drive the agenda forward in the Middle East and beyond.”
He also emphasized the UNWTO’s importance and role in promoting tourism as a “catalyst of economic development,” stressing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting the international body in its mission.
“We have committed $800 billion of government investment into the Saudi tourism industry by 2030,” Al Khateeb added. “Our imperative is that the development we seek, both as a nation and globally, is sustainable, inclusive and resilient.”
UNWTO is holding its 117th Executive Council session in Marrakech, convening 250 representatives.
The event started on November 23, gathering ministers and senior officials in the tourism industry as well as public and private organizations.
Commenting on Morocco as a host, Minister of Tourism Fatim-Zahra Ammor said that the choice of the North African country to host the meeting “enhances institutional cooperation between the two parties and consolidates the position of the kingdom as a model in the promotion of sustainable, ethical and above all resilient tourism in the face of the various changes” facing the sector.
