Archive · 9 Nov 2025
26th UN Tourism General Assembly Opens in Riyadh, Focusing on AI
Imagine a big meeting where countries come together to talk about how people travel and visit new places.
This year, it's happening in a city called Riyadh, and it's a really special meeting because it's the biggest one ever and the first time it's in the GCC area.
For 50 years, this group has helped people from different countries understand each other better through travel and has helped create jobs.
This time, they are focusing on how smart computers, called AI, can help make traveling even better.
They want to make sure AI helps people, creates more jobs, supports small businesses, and keeps places beautiful and sustainable, just like a special plan called Vision 2030.
They will talk about new ideas to make tourism grow fairly and work together more, using technology to make things happen.
The 26th UN Tourism General Assembly opened in Riyadh on November 9, the largest in its 50-year history and a first for the GCC region.
Approximately 160 delegations are attending under the theme 'AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.'
The event, hosted by Saudi Arabia, aims to discuss how AI and digital transformation can drive sustainable and inclusive growth in tourism.
UN Tourism emphasizes harnessing technology to support jobs, small businesses, destination stewardship, and Sustainable Development Goals.
Delegates will participate in plenary sessions and committee meetings to foster international cooperation and innovation in the tourism sector.
- Who
- Around 160 delegations from member states, including ministers, senior officials, and leaders from industry and civil society.
- What
- The 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly, focusing on 'AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.'
- When
- Opened on November 9.
- Where
- Riyadh.
- Why
- To discuss how artificial intelligence and digital transformation can accelerate sustainable, inclusive growth in tourism, deepen international cooperation, and foster economic opportunity.
Current Approach
Future Approach
Role of AI in Tourism
Current Approach
Focus on current international collaboration and established methods of fostering economic opportunity and understanding through travel.
Future Approach
Emphasizes harnessing AI and digital transformation to accelerate sustainable, inclusive growth, redefine the future of tourism, and support jobs and small businesses.
Economic Impact of Tourism
Current Approach
Tourism is recognized as a powerful force for prosperity, creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and connecting cultures.
Future Approach
Proposes using technology to further diversify economies and create millions of jobs by leveraging AI-driven tourism.
- Event
- 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly
- Date
- November 9
- Location
- Riyadh
- Theme
- AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future
- Host
- Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism
- Attendees
- Around 160 delegations, including ministers, senior officials, and industry leaders
- Significance
- First time in GCC region; largest Assembly in 50 years of UN Tourism