RIYADH: Saudi Arabia attended the opening session for the 113th UN World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Executive Council, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The meeting reviewed the organization’s efforts, in cooperation with member states, to serve the global tourism sector and sustain its recovery by standardizing protocols that help lift restrictions imposed on travelers and supporting tourism facilities in the private sector.

Haifa Al-Jedea, general supervisor of the international relations department at the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, said that Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to cooperation with UNWTO, pointing out that the organization decided to open its first regional office in the world in Riyadh, which will start work this year.

Al-Jedea added that the regional office will be a supporting factor not only for the countries of the region but also for Africa and Asia, confirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cooperate with the international community to support the tourism sector at both regional and international levels.

Tourism in Saudi Arabia is a fundamental pillar in line with the Vision 2030 reform plan.

The Kingdom seeks to be a leading global tourism destination, with a goal to host 100 million visitors annually by 2030.

As a modern tourist destination, Saudi Arabia aims to focus on sustainability, as this added value represents one of the factors that will help to attract tourists from all over the world.

SPA