TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
At the G20 Tourism Ministerial Conference in Brazil, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to make its tourism sector sustainable and a powerful force for forging closer cultural ties with other countries. ‘KSA shares and celebrates the G20’s dedication to boost tourism growth and to put sustainability at the heart of our work,’ says H.E. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, KSA.
TT Bureau
His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, addressing delegates at the G20 Tourism Ministerial Conference in Brazil, highlighted the meeting’s overarching theme, ‘Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet’.
“There is more than just an economic benefit from the strides we are making to improve connectivity. They also provide the chance for people from around the world to explore the rich culture of Saudi Arabia and for our people to experience the wonders of other countries and cultures,” Al-Khateeb said.
The high-profile gathering in Belém is bringing together not only the G20 nations – of which Saudi Arabia is the only permanent member from the Gulf Cooperation Council – but also 32 additional guest countries and international organisations. Saudi Arabia approved the creation of the G20 Tourism Working Group during its presidency in 2020 and among the Ministers’ key objectives at this meeting in Belém finalising a report by the Working Group that details measures taken by its members to promote robust, sustainable, and balanced global tourism growth.
During the event in Belém, His Excellency met with ministers and senior political figures from Brazil, India, Italy, Spain and Japan, as well as with H.E. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General, UN Tourism and Julia Simpson, President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council. In addition to meeting with global leaders, His Excellency also joined a WTTC Public-Private Dialogue to coincide with the launch of a jointly branded report analysing the impacts of COVID-19 on the Travel and Tourism sectors, including employment trends with a focus on youth, women, and high-wage jobs. As part of its Vision 2030 strategy, Saudi Arabia has a strong focus on eco-friendly tourism developments, including pioneering projects in Diriyah and NEOM.
