Tourism Titans Unite: Forging a New Era of Public-Private Power.

Tourism Leaders Convene in Riyadh to Forge Stronger Public-Private Partnerships

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The global tourism sector is placing renewed emphasis on collaboration between public and private entities, as evidenced by a recent gathering of UN Tourism's Affiliate Members in Riyadh. Nearly 200 delegates, representing over 100 organizations, converged to discuss the future of tourism and solidify partnerships aimed at driving sustainable and inclusive growth.

Tourism Titans Unite: Forging a New Era of Public-...

The meeting, a pivotal event for the Affiliate Membership and Public-Private Collaboration Department (AM-PPC), served as a platform to review achievements since the previous Plenary Session in October 2023 and to strategize for the future. A key focus was the ongoing expansion strategy, designed to cultivate a membership base characterized by quality and geographical diversity, ensuring a truly global representation of the tourism industry.

Discussions centered on the critical role

Discussions centered on the critical role of public-private partnerships in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. From promoting responsible tourism practices to fostering innovation and enhancing the visitor experience, the meeting highlighted the potential of collaborative efforts to drive positive change.

The AM-PPC presented its ambitious Programme of Work for the period 2026-2027, outlining key priorities and initiatives designed to support Affiliate Members in their endeavors. This program aims to leverage the expertise and resources of both public and private stakeholders to achieve shared goals, contributing to the overall advancement of the tourism sector.

The event also provided a valuable platform for Affiliate Members to showcase their own innovative projects and initiatives. Selected members presented their proposals, vying for support from the AM-PPC Department and UN Tourism in the coming biennium. These projects, spanning a wide range of areas from sustainable tourism development to digital transformation, demonstrate the dynamism and creativity within the Affiliate Membership network.

The Riyadh gathering underscores the growing recognition of the importance of public-private collaboration in shaping the future of tourism. By fostering dialogue, sharing best practices, and forging strategic partnerships, UN Tourism and its Affiliate Members are working to create a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive tourism sector for the benefit of all. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to have a significant impact on the direction of tourism development in the years to come, solidifying the role of collaboration as a cornerstone of progress.