As the 55th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) unfolds in Davos, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a central player, showcasing its leadership in tourism innovation and sustainability. The Kingdom’s delegation, led by His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, has focused on the pivotal role of travel and tourism in achieving global economic transformation, while reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cross-sector partnerships under Vision 2030.
Tourism as a catalyst for global economic transformation
During the World Economic Forum, the Kingdom is leading critical discussions on shaping the future of global tourism. Key sessions led by Ahmed Al-Khateeb include “Travel and Tourism’s Role in Building Trust” on January 21, which examines how trust is a foundational element for growth in the tourism sector. Later that day, the session “Scaling Sustainable Tourism: Connecting People and Places” delves into how sustainability initiatives can be expanded to create meaningful connections between destinations and travelers. On January 22, Al-Khateeb will lead “The Way We Will Travel,” exploring the transformative potential of emerging technologies and innovative strategies in redefining future travel experiences. These sessions underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering global collaboration and innovation within the tourism industry.
In his remarks, Al-Khateeb stated, “The travel and tourism sector is a cornerstone of global economies. It is essential that we recognize its importance in our sessions at Davos during the WEF Annual Meeting 2025.” He highlighted how tourism has the potential to drive inclusive global economic transformation through sustainability, innovation, and international collaboration.
As part of these efforts, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the WEF, released a groundbreaking paper titled “The Future of Travel and Tourism: Embracing Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.” The paper explores transformative trends, destination readiness, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration. It aims to serve as a guide for policymakers and industry leaders during and beyond the forum.
Saudi House pavilion: a showcase of vision and commitment
For the first time, the Kingdom unveiled the Saudi House pavilion at the WEF. Hosted by the Ministry of Economy and Planning, this standalone pavilion highlighted Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives, including transformative tourism projects such as NEOM, The Red Sea, and AlUla. Representatives from the Saudi Tourism Authority, the Royal Commission for AlUla, and the Diriyah Company joined over 15 sessions, showcasing the Kingdom’s achievements in sustainability, innovation, and heritage preservation.
Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism released an investor briefing detailing Saudi Vision 2030’s impact on the tourism sector. This includes the development of advanced tourism infrastructure, the attraction of international visitors, and the creation of unique cultural experiences. Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector surpassed its Vision 2030 goal of welcoming 100 million visitors by 2023, firmly establishing itself as one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.
Urban air mobility: the future of tourism infrastructure
Among the key topics discussed on the first day of the forum was urban air mobility and its transformative potential in modernizing tourism infrastructure. Minister Al-Khateeb outlined how technologies like air taxis and drones can revolutionize travel, particularly in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious tourism projects such as NEOM and AlUla.
By integrating cutting-edge innovations into its tourism hubs, the Kingdom aims to redefine the concept of seamless travel while offering unparalleled experiences to international visitors. These advancements highlight Saudi Arabia’s forward-thinking approach to developing a resilient and sustainable tourism sector.
Focus on sustainable tourism growth
Sustainability remains at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s tourism agenda. The Kingdom is leading by example with projects like The Red Sea, which features renewable energy integration and water desalination, and the greening of AlUla, which focuses on reforestation and preservation of natural heritage.
At Davos, Minister Al-Khateeb reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable tourism, stating, “Saudi Arabia is dedicated to enhancing international cooperation and promoting sustainable tourism growth. Our vision aligns with the global need for inclusive and environmentally conscious tourism development.”
Riyadh Expo 2030: a glimpse into the future
With Riyadh recently securing the bid to host Expo 2030, Saudi Arabia continues to leverage its growing global influence to strengthen its tourism sector. The event is expected to attract millions of international visitors, providing a platform to highlight the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, technological advancements, and investment opportunities.
Strengthening partnerships for global impact
The WEF Annual Meeting 2025 has provided Saudi Arabia with a platform to establish new partnerships and initiatives that will leverage tourism for global economic development. Minister Al-Khateeb’s participation included dialogues on topics such as Africa’s development through investment, advancing women’s roles in global economies, and strategies to promote sustainable tourism.
In addition, Al-Khateeb engaged with policymakers and leaders from various sectors to explore opportunities for collaboration. These high-level discussions aim to solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in tourism innovation while contributing to the economic growth of partner nations.
The road ahead
Saudi Arabia’s participation in WEF 2025 underscores its determination to redefine the global tourism landscape through innovation, sustainability, and cross-sector collaboration. As Minister Al-Khateeb aptly put it, “Tourism is not just about attracting visitors; it is a transformative power that drives inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.”
From pioneering sustainable tourism practices to leveraging advanced technologies like urban air mobility, Saudi Arabia continues to inspire the global community with its forward-looking vision. The Kingdom’s achievements and ongoing initiatives demonstrate its role as a catalyst for economic transformation, offering a blueprint for the future of global tourism.
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Read also: Saudi Tourism Minister leads sector discussions at WEF Urban Transformation Summit
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Photo – top of page: Saudi Arabia’s delegation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 met with the Forum’s Founder and Executive Chairman, Professor Klaus Schwab, and President Borge Brende, on the first day of the meeting. The meeting focused on enhancing existing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the Forum while exploring key global economic developments of mutual interest.
