Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 26th General Assembly of the United Nations Tourism in Riyadh has spotlighted its expanding influence in global tourism. The event, the largest in the organization's history and the first in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, brought together 160 delegations to discuss innovation, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence for sustainable tourism growth.

Key outcomes included the inauguration of the first United Nations Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East and Saudi Arabia's leadership as chair of the Executive Council. The Kingdom's world-class infrastructure and hospitality sector were showcased, reinforcing its commitment to hosting major international events.

Tourism across the Gulf Cooperation Council saw significant growth, with a 32 percent increase in economic contribution and a sharp rebound in intra-regional travel. Saudi Arabia led the region, welcoming a record 30 million international visitors in 2024 and posting the highest global increase in tourist revenue in early 2025. The report released for World Tourism Day highlights tourism's vital role in economic growth, employment, and cultural exchange, while supporting sustainability initiatives.