The transformative role of travel and tourism in global economic advancement will take centre stage this week at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos. His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will spearhead discussions on the sector’s potential to drive sustainable, cross-border, and multi-sector economic growth.
HE Al-Khateeb will join the Saudi delegation, led by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to highlight Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the global tourism agenda. Speaking on the importance of travel and tourism, HE Al-Khateeb stated:
“The travel and tourism sector is a cornerstone of global economies. As we convene in Davos for the WEF Annual Meeting 2025, it is vital that we recognise the sector’s importance in fostering global economic transformation. I am honoured to participate in this pivotal dialogue and to showcase how Saudi Arabia is leading by example in promoting sustainability, innovation, and collaboration.”
Saudi Arabia’s Role in Shaping the Future of Tourism
In partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, the WEF has released a briefing paper titled “The Future of Travel and Tourism: Embracing Sustainable and Inclusive Growth”. This document explores transformative trends in the sector, destination readiness, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration. Key sessions addressing tourism at WEF 2025 include:
- Travel and Tourism’s Role in Building Trust – Tuesday, 21 January, 9:00 CET
- Scaling Sustainable Tourism: Connecting People and Places – Tuesday, 21 January, 16:40 CET
- The Way We Will Travel – Wednesday, 22 January, 11:30 CET
In addition, Saudi Arabia has unveiled an Investor White Paper showcasing its Vision 2030 tourism initiatives. The document highlights the Kingdom’s achievements in creating state-of-the-art infrastructure, attracting international visitors, and curating unique cultural experiences. Surpassing its ambitious target of 100 million tourist arrivals in 2023, Saudi Arabia has rapidly emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations. Strategically positioned within a six-hour flight of 40% of the global population, the Kingdom is poised to become a premier global tourism hub.
Driving Global Cooperation and Sustainable Growth
The WEF Annual Meeting 2025 underscores Saudi Arabia’s dedication to fostering cross-sector partnerships and leveraging tourism for economic development. HE Al-Khateeb’s active participation aims to forge new collaborations and initiatives that will propel global tourism forward.
The Minister’s agenda extends beyond official WEF engagements, including dialogues on:
- Scaling sustainable tourism to connect regions.
- Unlocking investment to accelerate Africa’s development.
- Advancing women’s leadership in global economies.
These discussions will see HE Al-Khateeb engage with influential policymakers and private sector leaders, furthering Saudi Arabia’s vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future in tourism.
A Milestone for Global Tourism
Saudi Arabia’s presence at WEF Davos 2025 reflects its ambition to lead the global conversation on the future of travel and tourism. Through its strategic initiatives and Vision 2030, the Kingdom is setting a benchmark for sustainability, innovation, and collaboration in the sector, paving the way for perpetual growth and progress.
