Putting a sustainable and resilient tourism industry at the heart of an inclusive recovery

Tourism creates jobs and drives inclusive societies.

Our sector is a diverse and vibrant workforce that provides unique opportunities to women, minorities, rural communities, and youth. People are at the heart of the tourism industry, and as we look to the future, we must ensure that no one is left behind.

?Over the past two years, we have realized the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which results in 62 million tourism jobs lost globally.

?Alongside this, our planet is facing extraordinary climate change challenges that disproportionately impact developing countries – many of whom rely heavily on tourism’s contribution to their economies.

For example, research by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) showed that the 2017 hurricane season cost the Caribbean region alone more than 800,000 visitors and $741 million in lost income.

?By 2030, the UNWTO has projected that there will be 1.8 billion international tourists.?By 2050, the UN Environment Program has forecast that, under a business-as-usual scenario, tourism could generate 131% more in greenhouse gas emissions.

To protect our sector from vulnerability from external shocks, it is critical to accelerate action. We must work together to safeguard our future for the millions of people around the world whose livelihoods depend on tourism.

?Prosperity for our people and protection of our planet is essential.??

There is no resilience without sustainability, and there can be no inclusive recovery without resilience. Action is needed now.

?Saudi Arabia’s role

?In my role as Minister of Tourism, I am proud of the incredible work Saudi Arabia is doing to create opportunities that drive economic growth and improve the livelihoods of both people and planet.

?The Kingdom’s G20 leadership in 2020 brought governments together with business leaders to put tourism on the agenda. Developed by UNWTO and the G20 Tourism Working Group, the AlUla Framework for Inclusive Community Development through Tourism is sets a clear path to enable human capital development, innovation and entrepreneurship – key priorities of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

?Together, we are shaping strategies for the sustainable future of our sector.

?We are committed to continued collaboration, especially through the world’s first Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC).

?Working alongside global leaders, academia, and sector bodies, the STGC is a multi-stakeholder platform that will accelerate the tourism sector’s transition to net zero emissions – driving action to protect nature and support communities.

?Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable development goes deeper.?Our Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, is focused on protecting, preserving, and improving our environment. As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, we have launched biodiversity initiatives to breed and protect endangered species. Our giga-projects, such as the Red Sea Development Company, are pioneering a restorative and regenerative tourism approach.

?Saudi Arabia’s financial commitments are further supporting sector recovery, with contributions to include the Community Tourism Initiative, a fund that will create employment opportunities and long-term resilience for smaller, non-urban communities, and a $100m pledge to World Bank Global Fund for Inclusive Tourism

?The Kingdom is creating large-scale, collaborative global programs to future-proof the sector.?

We must realize these opportunities in order to create a sustainable and resilient tourism industry that is at the heart of an inclusive global recovery – join us.