Saudi has a proven track record of supporting initiatives aimed at boosting the tourism sector, both locally and globally, while also accelerating the country’s economic recovery.
The Kingdom invited donor countries to participate in the first international fund dedicated to backing the tourism sector.
In collaboration with the World Bank, Saudi’s government pledged $100 million to establish a Tourism Support Fund to help communities affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and other global crises.
Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khatib
The pandemic has reiterated the importance of the tourism sector as a key driver in advancing growth and recovery, according to Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khatib, who also noted that the world community has the task of accelerating recovery and achieving the needed flexibility.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), this came during the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG).
Al-Khatib emphasized the need for global cooperation in achieving the desired economic growth, urging donor countries and the private sector to contribute to the trust fund’s establishment.
He also lauded Saudi’s efforts to promote the tourism industry, which is one of the world’s most significant economic sectors.
Moreover, he highlighted Saudi’s initiatives and role in supporting the future of sustainable tourism, as well as the country’s leading experience in terms of accelerating the tourism industry and attracting tourists from both inside and outside Saudi.
In 2020, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the G20 Tourism Working Group launched the AlUla Framework for Inclusive Community Development, followed by G20 Summit Leaders’ Declaration in Riyadh to establish a sustainable and inclusive tourism strategy.
In May 2021, Saudi signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with WBG and the UNWTO to launch the Tourism Community Initiative, which aims to promote sustainable tourism and inclusive growth, provide job opportunities, and preserve natural heritage in developing countries.
