Diriyah Welcomes over 50 International Ministers of Tourism During World Tourism Day

Diriyah was honored to welcome over 500 guests for a spectacular gala event on the occasion of World Tourism Day, which drew global officials, tourism leaders, and experts from 120 countries to the capital city of Riyadh. Among them were more than 50 ministers of tourism who gathered for an evening of cultural exchange and fine dining with Diriyah’s At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site as its backdrop. This was the most fitting of conclusions to a series of

conferences, UNWTO initiatives, and private sector sessions hosted byAhmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia.

As a joint effort between the Ministry of Tourism and UNWTO, the Kingdom commended Zurab Pololikashivli, the Secretary General of UNWTO for his leadership and contribution to the sessions and activities that took place throughout World Tourism Day. Guests, some of whom were visiting Saudi Arabia for the first time, had the unique opportunity to experience Saudi Arabia’s deep and rich history, tracing the echoes of that past to the present as they strolled along the walkways of the Kingdom’s premier dining district, Bujairi Terrace, to arrive at Salwa Palace – the jewel that is emblematic of Diriyah’s culture and iconic to the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Al Khateeb commented, “Since its historic grand opening in December 2022, Diriyah has already welcomed 1 million visitors. Fast emerging as one of the world’s foremost tourism destinations, Saudi Arabia will target 100 million visits annually by 2030 as it looks to accelerate an $800 billion plan to become a travel hotspot and one of the world’s most visited countries. Saudi Arabia is already the most visited country in the region, and by the end of the decade, the sector will contribute more than 10% toward the Kingdom’s GDP.”

Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, added: “After the resounding success of World Tourism Day, it is particularly fitting that Diriyah was chosen to host this distinguished group of guests. As Diriyah Company oversees the opening of the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the world, it embodies a vibrant reconnection with the Kingdom’s rich history, where a nation was born. Diriyah serves as a bridge between cultures and generations, rekindling its role as one of the world’s greatest gathering places and emerging as a premier cultural tourist destination. World Tourism Day reflects a worldwide commitment to preserving heritage, nurturing cultural exchange, and crafting unforgettable experiences for visitors from across the globe. At Diriyah, we are dedicated to bringing these pillars of tourism to life every day.”