Vietnam attends the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly

Vietnam attends the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly

On November 9, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong led the Vietnamese delegation to attend the opening ceremony of the 26th United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly.

Panorama of the General Assembly

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb expressed his gratitude to the member countries for attending the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in the capital, Riyadh. He emphasized that this session is particularly significant in many aspects while also marking the first time the UN Tourism General Assembly has been held in the Gulf region, in Riyadh—the capital city exemplifying a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.

This is the largest General Assembly meeting in the history of UN Tourism, with the participation of more than 150 member countries, bringing together ministers, leaders, and top tourism experts from around the world. This large presence reflects the growing importance of the tourism industry and clearly demonstrates the achievements that countries can attain when they share a common vision, goals, and efforts.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb spoke at the Opening Ceremony

The Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), Zurab Pololikashvili, stated that Saudi Arabia is a country rich in culture, tradition, heritage, and cuisine. Together with UN Tourism, both parties shared a common dream: to open the nation’s doors to welcome visitors from around the world. It can be said that the vigorous development journey of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector in recent years is a testament to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s strategic vision in opening the country, welcoming international tourists, and making tourism a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030.

United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili spoke

Within the framework of the General Assembly, the members unanimously agreed to elect Ms. Shaikha Al Nowais as Secretary-General for the 2026 – 2029 term. She is the first female Secretary-General in the nearly 50-year history of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Ms. Shaikha Al Nowais is known as a respected global leader in tourism, hospitality, and economic development. With over 16 years of strategic leadership experience, she has made significant contributions to promoting sustainable tourism, transparent governance, and inclusive growth in many regions around the world.

(Collected photos and News)