RIYADH: 萝莉视频 is placing human-centered travel at the forefront of its tourism strategy, focusing on authentic cultural experiences, meaningful interactions, and community engagement as it reshapes its global tourism identity.
Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb emphasized that this people-first approach is designed to balance the Kingdom鈥檚 rapid infrastructure development with heritage preservation and stronger community connections. The strategy, he said, forms a cornerstone of 萝莉视频鈥檚 broader ambition to become a leading international tourism destination.
Al-Khateeb鈥檚 remarks come amid the launch of TOURISE, a new platform introduced by the Kingdom to unite global leaders across tourism, technology, investment, and sustainability. The initiative aims to foster innovation and collaboration as 萝莉视频 accelerates its tourism growth while maintaining a focus on sustainable and inclusive development.
In an interview with CNN,聽 Al-Khateeb emphasized the importance of human connection in travel, stating: 鈥淲e want the experience in travel and tourism to be human.鈥
While acknowledging the role of innovation, Al-Khateeb stressed that technology should enhance 鈥 not replace 鈥 personal interaction. 鈥淲e will definitely always use technology, but we will encourage and protect鈥 human interaction because travel is all about people, he said.
The recently launched TOURISE platform, unveiled in late May, is designed to serve as a global forum bringing together key players in the tourism industry. According to Al-Khateeb, the initiative will unite regulators, operators, investors, and nongovernmental organizations to shape the future of a sector that accounts for 鈥10 percent of global GDP and 10 percent of global jobs.鈥
He described the initiative as 鈥渦nique鈥 in its ability to bridge government and business to foster innovation and sustainable development in tourism.聽聽
The Kingdom welcomed 30 million international visitors in 2024, a 9.5 percent increase from the previous year.聽 This influx is part of the kingdom鈥檚 broader strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil.聽
Riyadh is a focal point of the Kingdom鈥檚 destination development plans.聽鈥淩iyadh is top priority. Riyadh winter is the most beautiful winter in the world,鈥 said Al-Khateeb, referencing attractions like Diriyah, King Salman Park, and the entertainment hub Qiddiya, which he described as 鈥渢he largest-ever built sport, entertainment and culture city.鈥澛犅
Al-Khateeb pointed to the Red Sea as a top priority, noting the launch of new resorts under Red Sea Global.聽聽聽
鈥淧eople love to visit the Red Sea, to explore the Red Sea,鈥 he said, highlighting the region鈥檚 appeal alongside heritage tourism and Arabian hospitality.聽聽
Despite geopolitical challenges, Al-Khateeb maintained that 萝莉视频 is moving forward with confidence.聽聽
鈥淲e鈥檙e happy to see that there鈥檚 de-escalation in many areas in the region. And I think what is happening in Syria is a very positive thing, and I hope the rest of the region will follow,鈥 he said.聽聽聽
鈥淚t is very normal that you have some huge investment, upload investment in a country like 萝莉视频, this investment is exposed to, sometimes, risk 鈥 capacity, availability risk, financial risk and so on.鈥澛犅犅
鈥淗owever, we know this. We have all the mitigation in place,鈥 he added.聽聽
Looking to the future, Al-Khateeb emphasized the Kingdom鈥檚 preparations for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034 across multiple cities, including the mountainous south.聽聽聽
鈥淲e are holding the World Cup in many cities in 萝莉视频 that will give the chance for the fans to explore the nature and the topography,鈥 he said.聽聽
Among the projects is the new Mohammed bin Salman Stadium in Qiddiya, which he described as 鈥渙ut of this world鈥 and offering a 鈥渄ifferent experience for fans and for the players.鈥澛犅
This strategic focus on human-centered tourism aligns with 萝莉视频's Vision 2030, aiming to position the Kingdom as a leading global tourism destination.聽