A Saudi hospitality talent scheme has been named among the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) first six Beyond Tourism Impact Stars.
Announced in Geneva yesterday at the Forum’s first Beyond Tourism Day, the inaugural cohort included Sommet Education alongside Accor, Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment, and Discova, as well as GHE Impact Ventures, and Iberostar.
As per a press release, the sector is expected to generate $16 trillion in GDP by 2034, accounting for more than 11 percent of the global economy.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the Middle East is expected to be the only region worldwide to see its travel and tourism GDP contract in 2026, down 14.5 percent to $330 billion amid regional conflict, though WTTC forecast it will become the fastest-growing tourism region over the following decade, led by Saudi Arabia, where the sector already accounts for 14.1pc of GDP.
Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb described the initiative and the first Beyond Tourism Day as evidence of ‘a shared commitment to translating vision into tangible impact for global travel and tourism,’ adding that the kingdom remained committed to ‘a more resilient, responsible and inclusive travel and tourism ecosystem.’
World Economic Forum President and CEO Alois Zwinggi said the winning projects show how the industry is responding to the pressure on the sector.
“The Beyond Tourism Impact Stars showcase how private sector leaders are responding through diverse solutions, from new business models and community partnerships to data-driven tools, workforce initiatives and heritage-led real estate development,” he said.