Overview
- The Riyadh Declaration commits countries to invest in digital infrastructure, close skills gaps, and support AI-driven entrepreneurship to build resilient, locally beneficial tourism.
- Member States confirmed Shaikha Al Nowais as the next Secretary-General, the first woman to lead the agency, with her term beginning in 2026.
- The Assembly approved institutional expansion, including a UN Tourism regional office in Shanghai, a permanent Africa & Americas Summit, and a new South–South cooperation mechanism.
- A dedicated AI agenda framed the meeting, featuring a high-level thematic session with public and private leaders, and Smart Tour of Brazil won the UN Tourism Artificial Intelligence Challenge.
- Members set upcoming fixtures, naming El Salvador and Cabo Verde as World Tourism Day hosts for 2026 and 2027 and selecting the Dominican Republic for the next General Assembly, as the UN reported record global tourist arrivals.