May 23, 2025, 12:07 PM
May 23, 2025, 12:07 PM

Saudi Arabia prepares to launch global tourism industry event in November

Highlights
  • Saudi Arabia intends to launch TOURISE, a global tourism industry event, in November.
  • The tourism sector is estimated to contribute $11.7 trillion to global GDP this year, supporting 371 million jobs.
  • The event aims to create a platform for industry leaders to address trends and priorities in the tourism sector.
Story

Saudi Arabia has announced the upcoming launch of TOURISE, a comprehensive global tourism industry event scheduled to take place in November. The forum aims to fill the gap in the tourism sector, which currently lacks a unified platform for studying trends and establishing priorities. At the event's launch, Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb highlighted the importance of bringing together industry leaders, technology innovators, and investment and sustainability experts. This inaugural gathering will coincide with the United Nations Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, reinforcing the significance of the tourism sector within global dialogues. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTCC) forecasts that the tourism industry will contribute a staggering $11.7 trillion to global GDP this year, supporting approximately 371 million jobs worldwide. These numbers underline the sector’s paramount role in the post-pandemic economic recovery and growth. However, the absence of a global platform to discuss emerging trends and address challenges has been a major drawback for the tourism industry, making the creation of TOURISE an essential initiative. TOURISE is expected to set the stage for discussions around pivotal topics such as sustainable tourism practices, innovations in travel technology, and investment opportunities in the tourism sector. The gathering will serve as a melting pot for ideas and strategies that aim to push the industry towards a more resilient future. By establishing TOURISE, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a leader in the global tourism narrative, much akin to the role played by significant gatherings like Davos. The event is anticipated to not only provide a platform for dialogue but also to formulate actionable strategies that can uplift the tourism sector amidst ongoing challenges. The collaboration of leaders from various fields at TOURISE promises to pave the way for improved practices and enhanced resilience in the tourism industry.

Opinions

You've reached the end