JAKARTA – The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Tourism has joined forces with the World Economic Forum to introduce Beyond Tourism, a comprehensive cross-sector program designed to reshape global tourism through coordinated efforts focused on sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term resilience.

Launch and Purpose

The initiative was unveiled at Tourise, an international gathering that convenes influential figures from both government and private enterprise to collectively define tourism’s trajectory. Beyond Tourism seeks to create a unified global structure that fosters greater connectivity, broader inclusion, and enhanced sustainability within the travel industry, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s expanding influence in facilitating worldwide collaboration while emphasizing lasting advantages for communities and environmental preservation.

Multi-Sector Collaboration

The program distinguishes itself by assembling experts from diverse fields beyond traditional tourism, including property development, infrastructure planning, technological innovation, urban design, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. This interdisciplinary approach enables the creation of a comprehensive strategy for travel’s evolution, ensuring various perspectives contribute to shaping the industry’s direction.

Ten Guiding Principles

Beyond Tourism operates according to ten fundamental principles designed to guarantee that tourism expansion generates sustained value for all stakeholders—local residents, travelers, commercial enterprises, and broader communities. These principles emphasize:

• Matching market potential with regional capabilities
• Strengthening local economic frameworks
• Cultivating workforces prepared for future demands
• Preserving and promoting cultural legacy
• Restoring natural environments
• Implementing technology with responsibility and foresight

Connection to Vision 2030

This initiative directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategic plan, which designates tourism as a cornerstone for economic diversification, job creation, and cultural engagement. The Kingdom has already attracted over 116 million visitors since Vision 2030’s inception, with an ambitious target of welcoming 150 million arrivals by the decade’s end.

Implementation Strategy

A worldwide alliance of industry leaders has been established to identify and execute demonstration projects across strategic regions. Over the upcoming three-year period, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and the World Economic Forum will collaborate to expand this community, create actionable resources, and test innovative sustainable tourism frameworks in real-world settings.

Leadership Perspectives

Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, expressed pride in spearheading this partnership: “Saudi Arabia is proud to lead Beyond Tourism in partnership with the World Economic Forum. This partnership reflects our shared belief that the solutions we seek for tourism are solutions for humanity itself—solutions that foster understanding, create opportunity, and build resilience for generations to come.”

Børge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum, emphasized the transformative potential: “Tourism is both a bridge and a ladder—connecting cultures and lifting communities. If we do this together, Beyond Tourism will unlock the sector’s full potential—not just in GDP terms, but in quality jobs, vibrant places, and regenerated nature.”

Long-Term Impact

Beyond Tourism represents a fundamental shift in how the international community approaches travel and hospitality. Rather than viewing tourism purely through an economic lens, the initiative recognizes its role as a catalyst for cultural exchange, environmental stewardship, and community development. By establishing measurable standards and fostering collaboration across sectors and borders, the program aims to ensure tourism contributes positively to global challenges while remaining economically viable.

The success of this initiative could establish new benchmarks for responsible tourism development worldwide, demonstrating how nations can balance economic growth with social responsibility and environmental protection.

Original Article:

TTG Asia. (2025, November 17). Saudi Arabia, World Economic Forum launch global framework for sector transformation. Retrieved from https://www.ttgasia.com/2025/11/17/saudi-arabia-world-economic-forum-launch-global-framework-for-sector-transformation/