UN Tourism General Assembly: Myanmar delegation joins the event in Riyadh

Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Phyo Zaw Soe led the Myanmar delegation to the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, held in Riyadh of Saudi Arabia, from November 7 to 10.

The General Assembly, chaired by Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khatib, discussed global tourism prospects, 2024–2025 work plans, financial matters, future programs, and the establishment of regional and thematic UN Tourism offices. It also confirmed Ms. Shaikha Al Nowais as the next Secretary-General (2026–2029) and approved that El Salvador and Cabo Verde will host World Tourism Day events in 2026 and 2027.

The Myanmar delegation attended related committee meetings on tourism statistics, competitiveness, sustainability, and the 124th Executive Council session. They also joined the opening ceremony, the 50th anniversary event of UN Tourism, and the AI-focused Tourism Innovation Grand Final.

From November 11 to 13, the delegation also joined the TOURISE Tourism Forum, which discussed global political, economic, social, and technological changes affecting long-term tourism development. They observed exhibitions on tourism technology and investment.

The Deputy Minister held bilateral meetings with tourism ministers and officials from Saudi Arabia, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Viet Nam, Indonesia, India, and Uganda to discuss cooperation, MoU drafting, renewal of agreements, and joint marketing efforts. He also met with international experts to explore opportunities for Myanmar’s tourism recovery and future development. The next UN Tourism General Assembly will be hosted by the Dominican Republic in 2027.