Diriyah celebrated World Tourism Day with a spectacular gala event that welcomed over 500 guests. The event gathered global officials, tourism leaders, and experts from 120 countries in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. Among the attendees were more than 50 tourism ministers who came together for an evening of cultural exchange and fine dining against the backdrop of Diriyah’s At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This event marked the culmination of a series of conferences, UNWTO initiatives, and private sector sessions hosted by Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom acknowledged Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of UNWTO, for his leadership and contributions to the various activities throughout World Tourism Day.
The guests, including many first-time visitors to Saudi Arabia, had the unique opportunity to explore the deep and rich history of the country. They walked through Bujairi Terrace, the Kingdom’s premier dining district, and arrived at Salwa Palace, an iconic representation of Diriyah’s culture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Minister Al-Khateeb emphasized Saudi Arabia’s rapid growth as a tourism destination, with Diriyah alone welcoming 1 million visitors since its grand opening in December 2022. The country is aiming to attract 100 million annual visits by 2030, contributing significantly to its GDP.
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, highlighted Diriyah’s role in preserving heritage, fostering cultural exchange, and creating memorable experiences for visitors. Diriyah is not only reconnecting with Saudi Arabia’s rich history but also serving as a bridge between cultures and generations, becoming a premier cultural tourist destination. World Tourism Day exemplifies the commitment to preserving heritage and providing unforgettable experiences for visitors from around the world. Diriyah is dedicated to bringing these principles to life every day.
