The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has inaugurated its first regional office in the Middle East, bringing the UN specialised agency closer to its members and furthering its commitment to guiding tourism development in every worldwide region.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili was joined by Princess Haifa Al-Saud, deputy minister of tourism for strategy and investment, and the kingdom's tourism minister, Ahmed Al Khateeb, during a ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to officially launch the office.

They were also joined by tourism ministers from throughout the Middle East and the rest of the world, as well as private sector representatives.

The first UNWTO Regional Office will serve as a hub for discussion, debate, and decision-making, giving many people in the region optimism that they will be able to benefit from the social and economic benefits that only tourism can provide.

The new office will act as a focal point for UNWTO policy and initiative coordination among the region's 13 Member States. This includes a number of tourism programmes and products, such as the new UNWTO-endorsed "Best Tourism Villages," which was launched in conjunction with the Regional Office's opening.

Riyadh will also host an expanded UNWTO International Tourism Academy, which will provide chances for people from all walks of life, including women and youth, from all across the area.

“The first UNWTO Regional Office will be a centre of conversation, debate and decision-making and bring hope to many people across the region allowing them to enjoy the social and economic benefits only tourism can deliver. Work on the office began after the start of the pandemic, proof of our determination and the strong support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia",said Pololikashvili.

“I think that this Office will help the Middle East area restore its tourist sector as well as encourage the growth of rural tourism development worldwide,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

The UNWTO also provided expert input to the Tourism Recovery Summit, which was hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and held in conjunction with the opening of the Regional Office.