First TOURISE puts PPP in focus

The first edition of TOURISE in Saudi Arabia brought together over 50 tourism ministers, private investors, and NGOs from around the world, aiming to create a platform where governments, private businesses, and organisations can collaborate.

TT Bureau

His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, Saudi Arabia, said the idea for TOURISE came from the need for a venue where regulators and investors can meet, plan, and build together. “The public sector regulates the industry, and the private sector invests and operates. We found no place where both could collaborate effectively and that is why TOURISE was created,” he said.

He highlighted that tourism is more than travel — it includes airlines, airports, accommodations, mobility, food and beverage, and technology supporting the sector. “We looked for a platform where the public and private sectors could meet, invest, and innovate together.” The conference comes as the tourism industry faces a projected global job gap of 40 million by 2034, with 357 million people currently employed worldwide. Saudi Arabia alone plans over $200 billion in tourism investments over the next five years, developing destinations like Neom, Red Sea, Diriyah, and Jeddah, to fill this gap. Speaking about technology and AI, Al Khateeb emphasised that while AI can digitalise services, human-to-human interactions remain essential. He stressed the sector’s potential for creating jobs for women and youth, particularly in smaller nations, cities, countries, and islands and encouraged private sector leaders to propose solutions for sustainable growth and employment.

Spain Minister for better ecosystem

HE Jordi Hereu, Minister of Tourism, Spain, said that Spain has continued to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year and generating significant economic impact. “The greatest challenge for the global tourism sector is to connect all layers of its ecosystem to multiply its impact, create opportunities, and transform the lives of millions of people. Spain aims to grow tourism with more value, diversity, quality, and sustainability, while creating stable jobs.”