The 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly officially concluded on November 11, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following a week of historic deliberations. Hosted under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future,” the Assembly marked the organization’s largest gathering ever, convening ministers, ambassadors, and delegates from approximately 160 Member States to establish a long-term roadmap for the sector’s next five decades.
The pinnacle of the Assembly was the unanimous adoption of the Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism. This landmark agreement serves as a comprehensive 50-year strategic blueprint, positioning digital innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth as the central pillars of the global tourism agenda. The Declaration outlines 11 clear commitments for Member States, urging immediate action to advance a more sustainable sector that balances environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and social well-being. Furthermore, it explicitly calls for the responsible adoption of digital transformation and the necessity of investing in AI infrastructure.
A specialized thematic session dedicated to Artificial Intelligence saw industry leaders from major firms like Microsoft, Amadeus IT Group, and Trip.com Group join the conversation on harnessing AI to enhance efficiency, drive sustainability, and improve traveler experiences. Reflecting this focus, the Assembly directed the new Secretary-General to develop a strategic roadmap, including an AI Impact on Tourism Report and a Global AI Readiness Index, to help countries measure their preparedness for digital transformation. Additionally, the UN Tourism Artificial Intelligence Challenge awarded the Brazilian initiative Smart Tour as the overall winner for its pioneering contribution to digital tourism development.
Beyond the strategic declarations, the Assembly ratified several key institutional decisions. Delegates formally confirmed the appointment of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as the next Secretary-General, making her the first woman and GCC national to lead the specialized agency when she begins her term in 2026. Member States also ratified the creation of a new regional office in Shanghai, China, further expanding the organization’s global presence. Looking ahead, the theme for World Tourism Day 2026 was announced as “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence.”
His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, emphasized the urgency of implementation, stating that the Declaration signals a shift “from declarations to delivery.” The newly launched agreements and platforms aim to mobilize investment, upskill workforces, and digitize small and medium enterprises (SMEs), ensuring tourism remains a key driver of shared prosperity and global development.
