Saudi Arabia's new platform hopes to unite the global travel industry
Tourism is bouncing back fast. The industry is expected to contribute nearly €11 trillion – or about 10 per cent of GDP – to the global economy this year. By 2035, that number could reach €15 trillion.
But with this growth comes outsized pressures, from climate change and AI disruption to workforce skill gaps and shifting traveller expectations.
Saudi Arabia hopes to help steer the sector through these challenges with a new initiative: TOURISE.
Launched this week by Saudi Arabia's minister of tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, TOURISE is a year-round global platform and annual summit designed to unite the public and private sectors, from policymakers and sustainability experts to entrepreneurs and investors.
'Global tourism is at a crossroads,' said Al-Khateeb. 'We must decide which path to take will determine its future.'
Saudi Arabia sees itself as a natural hub for this new global effort. Aiming to attract 50 million international visitors by 2030, the kingdom sees its tourism sector growing rapidly. By 2032, three million people in Saudi Arabia, or around 17 per cent of the population, are expected to work in the industry, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.
In 2024, the country hit its Vision 2030 goal of 100 million total visits seven years early.
Backed by a high-level advisory board, TOURISE will host its first summit in Riyadh from 11-13 November this year. The invite-only event will focus on themes such as AI-powered tourism, investment and innovation and building a more inclusive and resilient sector.
Organisers say the platform will continue year-round through digital collaboration, cross-sector working groups and new research, including white papers and indexes focused on tourism, sustainability and the global economy.
'We can design the future of tourism,' said Al-Khateeb.
The platform coincides with the launch of an awards programme that spotlights destinations excelling in areas such as sustainability, digital transformation and cultural preservation. Winners will be announced at the summit's opening night in November.
TOURISE is chaired by Al-Khateeb, with an advisory board that includes senior figures from Cirque du Soleil, Amadeus, Heathrow Airport and the World Travel & Tourism Council.
'This is an invitation to the world; it is not a domestic event,' said Tourise CEO Jean-Philippe Cossé.
'TOURISE can give the global tourism and travel industry something it has never had: a single, united future-focused platform. It can set the global tourism agenda for the decades ahead.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
France 24
4 days ago
- France 24
Trump formally lifts Syria sanctions, eyeing ties with Israel
President Donald Trump on Monday formally dismantled US sanctions against Syria, hoping to reintegrate the war-battered country into the global economy as Israel eyes ties with its new leadership. Trump lifted most sanctions against Syria in May, responding to appeals from Saudi Arabia and Turkey after former Islamist guerrilla Ahmed al-Sharaa ended a half-century of rule by the Assad family. In an executive order, Trump terminated the "national emergency" in place since 2004 that imposed far-reaching sanctions on Syria, affecting most state-run institutions including the central bank. "This is in an effort to promote and support the country's path to stability and peace," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. 01:48 Brad Smith, the Treasury Department official in charge of sanctions, said the move "will end the country's isolation from the international financial system, setting the stage for global commerce and galvanizing investments from its neighbors in the region as well as from the United States." The order, released by the White House, said that Syria has been "transformed" since the fall of Assad, including through "positive actions taken by the new Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa." The orders still maintain sanctions on elements of the former government, including Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia late last year. Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shibani said the US move marked a "major turning point." "With the lifting of this major obstacle to economic recovery, the long-awaited doors are opening for reconstruction and development" as are the conditions "for the dignified return of displaced Syrians to their homeland," he wrote on X. Syria recently carried out its first electronic transfer through the international banking system since around the time it descended into a brutal civil war in 2011. Israel sees opportunity Israel kept pounding military sites in its historic adversary after the fall of Assad and initially voiced skepticism over the trajectory of its neighbor under Sharaa, who was formerly linked to Al-Qaeda. But Israel said earlier Monday that it was interested in normalizing ties with Syria as well as Lebanon in an expansion of the so-called "Abraham Accords," in what would mark a major transformation of the Middle East. 06:17 Iran's clerical state's once strong influence in Syria and Lebanon has declined sharply under pressure from Israeli military strikes since the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas. Trump administration officials argued that lifting the sanctions on Syria would better integrate the country into the region and incentivize overtures by Israel. Israel's intensive attacks on Iran in June opened a "window that has never existed," said Tom Barrack, the US ambassador to Turkey who serves as Trump's pointman on Syria. "It's an opportunity that we have never, ever seen, and this president's put together a team that can actually get it done," Barrack told reporters. Despite the upbeat picture of the new Syrian leader, the country has seen a series of major attacks against minorities since the fall of Assad, a largely secular leader from the Alawite minority sect. At least 25 people were killed and dozens more wounded in a suspected Islamist attack against a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus on June 22. Until Trump's surprise announcement of sanctions relief during a trip to Saudi Arabia, the United States had insisted on progress first in key areas including protection of minorities. The United States still classifies Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism, a designation that could take longer to lift and which also severely discourages investment.
France 24
5 days ago
- France 24
Trump dismantles Syria sanctions program as Israel ties eyed
Trump lifted most sanctions against Syria in May, responding to appeals from Saudi Arabia and Turkey after former Islamist guerrilla Ahmed al-Sharaa ended a half-century of rule by the Assad family. In an executive order, Trump terminated the "national emergency" in place since 2004 that imposed far-reaching sanctions on Syria, affecting most state-run institutions including the central bank. "This is in an effort to promote and support the country's path to stability and peace," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. Brad Smith, the Treasury Department official in charge of sanctions, said the move "will end the country's isolation from the international financial system, setting the stage for global commerce and galvanizing investments from its neighbors in the region as well as from the United States." The orders still maintain sanctions on elements of the former government, including Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia late last year. Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shibani said the US move marked a "major turning point." "With the lifting of this major obstacle to economic recovery, the long-awaited doors are opening for reconstruction and development" as are the conditions "for the dignified return of displaced Syrians to their homeland," he wrote on X. Syria recently carried out its first electronic transfer through the international banking system since around the time it descended into a brutal civil war in 2011. Israel sees opportunity Israel kept pounding military sites in its historic adversary after the fall of Assad and initially voiced skepticism over the trajectory of its neighbor under Sharaa, who was formerly linked to Al-Qaeda. But Israel said earlier Monday that it was interested in normalizing ties with Syria as well as Lebanon in an expansion of the so-called "Abraham Accords," in what would mark a major transformation of the Middle East. Iran's clerical state's once-strong influence in Syria and Lebanon has declined sharply under pressure from Israeli military strikes since the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas. Trump administration officials argued that lifting the sanctions on Syria would better integrate the country into the region and incentivize overtures by Israel. Israel's intensive attacks on Iran in June opened a "window that has never existed," said Tom Barrack, the US ambassador to Turkey who serves as Trump's pointman on Syria. "It's an opportunity that we have never, ever seen, and this president's put together a team that can actually get it done," Barrack told reporters. Despite the upbeat picture of the new Syrian leader, the country has seen a series of major attacks against minorities since the fall of Assad, a largely secular leader from the Alawite minority sect. At least 25 people were killed and dozens more wounded in a suspected Islamist attack against a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus on June 22. Until Trump's surprise announcement of sanctions relief during a trip to Saudi Arabia, the United States had insisted on progress first in key areas including protection of minorities. The United States still classifies Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism, a designation that could take longer to lift and which also severely discourages investment.
Sustainability Times
10-06-2025
- Sustainability Times
'Saudi Mega-Skyscraper Turns Deadly': This 105-Mile Structure Threatens to Annihilate Migratory Birds on a Catastrophic Scale
IN A NUTSHELL 🏗️ The Line project aims to transform 105 miles of Saudi Arabia's desert into a futuristic cityscape. aims to transform 105 miles of Saudi Arabia's desert into a futuristic cityscape. 🦅 Concerns have arisen over the project's impact on migratory birds due to its location on a major avian route. due to its location on a major avian route. ⚠️ Significant construction delays and environmental challenges threaten the project's success and sustainability goals. and environmental challenges threaten the project's success and sustainability goals. 🌿 The initiative highlights the tension between urban innovation and the preservation of delicate ecosystems. The Line project in Saudi Arabia's desert is a visionary attempt to redefine urban living with a futuristic cityscape. As part of the larger NEOM initiative, it seeks to blend sustainability with innovation, stretching an incredible 105 miles. However, amid the excitement surrounding this audacious endeavor, significant concerns have arisen about its environmental impact. Particularly troubling is the threat to local wildlife, including migratory birds that traverse this region. As the project unfolds, it prompts critical questions about how technological progress can coexist with ecological preservation, challenging us to ponder the delicate balance between urban development and nature. The Scale and Ambition of The Line The Line is an integral component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a transformative initiative aiming to convert a vast desert into an urban marvel. This linear city is designed to stretch 105 miles and soar 1,640 feet into the sky, with plans to accommodate nine million residents. The striking mirrored facade of The Line represents a blend of cutting-edge technology and sustainability aspirations, promising to redefine urban living. However, the project's grand scale has drawn scrutiny from environmentalists concerned about biodiversity threats, particularly to the avian population. Internal assessments reveal significant worries about the project's impact on migratory birds. The towering structure with its reflective surfaces poses a serious risk to avian life. Environmentalists argue that the challenge lies in harmonizing such grand urban visions with the delicate ecosystems they inhabit. The project's progress and ultimate success depend on addressing these environmental concerns while maintaining its ambitious urban innovation goals. 'Wild Spinach Saves the Day': Scientists Discover This Ordinary Plant Could Stop Catastrophic Fungus From Destroying US Farmlands Environmental Implications and Avian Threats Located on a major migratory route, The Line poses a substantial threat to billions of birds. The mirrored skyscraper could become a lethal obstacle for these winged travelers. The developers acknowledge the potential loss of avian life, which has ignited intense debates about balancing urban expansion with wildlife conservation. The table below highlights some of the critical challenges faced by The Line project: 'China Risks $117 Billion Collapse': This Scientist's Rare-Earth-Free Super Magnet Could Wreck an Entire National Industry 🦅 Avian Impact A Threat to Migratory Birds 🏙️ NEOM Project Desert Transformation into a Futuristic City 🌿 Sustainability An Ecological Ambition Under Scrutiny 📉 Delays Cumulative Construction Challenges The plight of these birds underscores broader questions about development in environmentally sensitive areas. How can we ensure our pursuit of innovation does not come at the expense of biodiversity and ecological balance? This dilemma highlights the importance of integrating environmental considerations into urban planning to safeguard the natural world. Construction Hurdles and Project Delays Beyond environmental concerns, The Line project faces significant construction challenges and delays. Initially projected to house nine million residents, current estimates suggest only 300,000 inhabitants by 2030, indicating a stark contrast to the original vision. Construction is primarily focused on excavation, with numerous foundational challenges delaying progress. Longest-Range Drone Ship in History: UK's New 8,500-Mile Vessel Stuns Military Analysts With Unprecedented Unmanned Capabilities Key issues include: Construction setbacks Balancing nature and urbanization Impact on biodiversity Project delays These challenges underscore the complexities of pursuing sustainable construction in fragile environments. The project's ambitious goals necessitate overcoming these obstacles while ensuring ecological integrity. As The Line progresses, it serves as a poignant case study in the ongoing dialogue about sustainable development. Balancing Innovation and Ecological Preservation The Line project exemplifies the tension between urban innovation and ecological preservation. Its ambitions are as vast as the desert it seeks to transform, but the environmental cost cannot be overlooked. Balancing technological and architectural progress with nature's preservation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable future. As we move forward, we must ask ourselves: How can we strike a balance between creating advanced, innovative urban environments and preserving the natural world for future generations? What sacrifices are we willing to make in the pursuit of progress, and how can we ensure that our actions today do not come at the expense of tomorrow's ecosystem? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (24)
