UN Tourism Sets Artificial Intelligence Agenda for Sector as General Assembly Concludes in Riyadh

Here’s a structured summary of the UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh (November 2025) and its focus on Artificial Intelligence:

Event Overview
- The 26th UN Tourism General Assembly was the largest in the organization’s 50-year history.
- Delegations from 148 Member States, including 90 Ministers of Tourism and 70 Ambassadors, attended.
- The Assembly advanced a shared Programme of Work for a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable tourism future.

Spotlight on Artificial Intelligence
- A special Thematic Session on AI gathered public and private sector leaders.
- Key participants included Amadeus, Trip.com, Microsoft, and the World Economic Forum.
- Smart Tour (Brazil) won the UN Tourism Artificial Intelligence Challenge, showcasing innovation in tourism tech.

The session culminated in the Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism, a roadmap emphasizing:
- International cooperation
- Investment in digital infrastructure
- Addressing workforce shortages and skills gaps
- Supporting local entrepreneurship through AI-driven initiatives.

Leadership & Institutional Growth
- Shaikha Al Nowais was confirmed as the new Secretary-General, becoming the first woman to lead UN Tourism starting in 2026.
- Approved initiatives:
- Permanent UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit
- Mechanism for South-South Cooperation
- New Regional Office in Shanghai, China.

Future Plans
- World Tourism Day 2026: Theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence,” hosted by El Salvador.
- World Tourism Day 2027: Theme “Transforming Tourism through Education,” hosted by Cabo Verde.
- 27th General Assembly: Scheduled for the Dominican Republic.

✨ Takeaway
This Assembly signals a turning point for global tourism, with AI positioned as a core driver of diversification, inclusive growth, and resilience. By embedding digital innovation into policy and practice, UN Tourism is setting the stage for a more connected and future-ready sector.