The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a United Nations agency, chose Riyadh for its first regional office in the Middle East and outside the Madrid headquarters.
The opening ceremony in Riyadh was attended by UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and Saudi Minister for Tourism Ahmed al-Khateeb.
The Organization chose Riyadh to host its first-ever regional office following the Kingdom’s development of its tourism sector, noting the great Saudi support made during the coronavirus pandemic.
Pololikashvili said that the first Regional Office will be a center of conversation, debate, and decision-making, and bring hope to many people across the region, allowing them to enjoy the social and economic benefits only tourism can deliver.
“Work on the office began after the start of the pandemic, proof of our determination and the strong support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
UNWTO described Saudi Arabia as one of its most active members during the past three years.
The new office will serve as a hub for UNWTO to coordinate policy and initiatives across its 13 member states in the region. This includes a number of tourism projects and products, among them the new “Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO”, launched on the occasion of the opening of the Regional Office.
Riyadh will also be home to an expanded UNWTO International Tourism Academy, providing opportunities for people of all backgrounds from across the region, including women and youth.
