Saudi hospitality talent scheme named among WEF’s first ‘Beyond Tourism Impact Stars’
- A Saudi hospitality talent scheme was recognized among the World Economic Forum's first six Beyond Tourism Impact Stars, announced on September 25 in Geneva.
- The initiative aims to develop the Kingdom's hospitality workforce and demonstrates Saudi Arabia's commitment to a resilient and inclusive tourism sector.
- The tourism sector is projected to generate $16 trillion in GDP by 2034, representing over 11% of the global economy.
- The Middle East, despite expected GDP contraction in travel and tourism by 14.5% in 2026, is forecasted to become the fastest-growing tourism region, led by Saudi Arabia.
- The Beyond Tourism Impact Stars were developed with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism and the consultancy Kearney, focusing on projects that create commercial value while enhancing tourism destinations.
- Winners of the inaugural cohort include Sommet Education for empowering hospitality talent and Accor for its Global Water Action programme, among others.
