Türkiye joins UN tourism assembly in Riyadh to shape sector's future

Türkiye has actively participated in the 26th United Nations Tourism General Assembly held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, joining representatives from more than 160 countries to help shape the future direction of the global tourism industry. The Turkish delegation was headed by Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister Nadir Alpaslan, who engaged in high-level discussions focused on technological innovation and sustainable development within the tourism sector.

Focus on AI and Sustainability

The two-day assembly, conducted under the theme "AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future," centered on digital transformation, environmentally sustainable practices, and inclusive growth strategies for the worldwide tourism industry. Participants collaborated on strategic decisions that will influence global tourism development over the next five decades, culminating in the adoption of a landmark declaration establishing the first international framework for ethical, equitable, and sustainable artificial intelligence applications in tourism.

Bilateral Engagement

During the assembly, Deputy Minister Alpaslan conducted separate meetings with tourism officials from Angola, Albania, Venezuela, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Niger to explore potential collaborative opportunities. These bilateral discussions addressed joint tourism projects, sustainable tourism policy development, and mechanisms for strengthening tourism partnerships between Türkiye and these nations across multiple continents.

Strategic Positioning

Türkiye's active involvement in the UN Tourism Assembly reinforces the country's position as a significant global tourism destination and policy influencer. The participation aligns with Türkiye's broader strategy to enhance its international tourism partnerships while contributing to the development of global standards for sustainable and technologically advanced tourism practices that balance economic benefits with environmental and social considerations.