Tourism Breaking News
The Middle East has become one of the most active regions in reaffirming its stance on tourism and sustainable transformation. It is quite ironic that we celebrate World Tourism Day today 27th September under a theme so relevant in this region. Over the past few years the Middle East has emerged as one of the fastest growing tourism hubs driven by national visions, megaprojects and its expanding hospitality sector. This year’s celebration is a reminder that tourism is more than just about destinations and experiences, it is stewardship of cultural heritage, preservation of natural landscapes and most importantly empowerment of local communities. We have witnessed over the years how the Middle East has been setting new benchmarks by aligning tourism with green mobility, renewable energy, eco-conscious hospitality and digital innovation whilst it remains deeply rooted in heritage and traditions. The Middle East has set a great example as it has become a catalyst for sustainable transformations, balancing growth with responsibility to create a more inclusive and environmentally conscious future for global travel. TTME spoke with the leaders in the industry about their plans for this year.
Julia Simpson, President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC):
World Tourism Day is a celebration of Travel & Tourism’s power to inspire, connect and create lasting prosperity. This year’s host, India, embodies the spirit of “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, showing how investment in sustainable infrastructure, digital innovation and resilient communities can drive growth that endures. By uniting vision and action, we can protect cultural and natural treasures, empower communities and drive prosperity. Together, we can ensure Travel & Tourism remains a force for good for generations to come.
Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of Saudi Tourism Authority and Vice Chair of TOURISE
“This year, on World Tourism Day, we reflect on our achievements and consider the path ahead. Tourism is, now, more than ever, fundamental to building understanding. It inspires and transforms, showing us that we exist in symbiosis with our surroundings. From AlUla to the Saudi Red Sea, Aseer to NEOM and beyond, sustainability is at the heart of our developments. We are the first country in the region to be certified by Dark Sky International, and the Red Sea’s entire ethos is rooted in minimizing its ecological footprint whilst regenerating the natural environment. Responsible tourism must necessarily be sustainable.”
Natalia Bayona Executive Director UN Tourism
Tourism is growing at remarkable rate, most notably in the Middle East, where arrivals are more than 40% up on pre-pandemic numbers. But growth alone isn’t enough. It needs to be sustainable, and by that we mean it must deliver decent jobs for all and drive long-term change for both economies and communities. That’s why this year UN Tourism is celebrating World Tourism Day around the theme of “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”. On 27 September we will once again unite our vast and diverse sector around a shared vision for what tourism can offer. Our Regional office for the Middle East will echo and amplify our message of putting people and planet first as we guide our sector’s continued growth. And it will be a chance to share how UN Tourism is leading this shift in priorities, including through our pioneering work in innovation and investments for sustainability, inclusion in opportunity and diversification for resilience.
Yamina Sofo, Director of the Marketing & Sales Office – GNTO GCC
This World Tourism Day, we will use the occasion to spotlight Germany’s sustainable travel offerings to GCC travellers through our regional channels. Our focus will be on showcasing eco-certified stays, protected natural landscapes, and low-impact travel options that combine memorable experiences with environmental responsibility. For GNTO, sustainability has always been a core pillar in shaping our strategies and plans, and we see it as an ongoing commitment we nurture year after year. Through our campaigns Embrace German Nature and Simply Feel Good, we actively showcase Germany’s diverse sustainable offerings—from 16 certified sustainable destinations to over 2,100 eco-certified accommodations. These initiatives inspire travellers from the GCC to experience Germany’s rich culture, natural beauty, and authentic charm while making environmentally responsible choices.
Paul Stevens, COO – Middle East, Africa and Turkey – Premium, Midscale & Economy · Accor
World Tourism Day is a chance to reaffirm our commitment to responsible hospitality. This year, we’ve launched “Skip The Clean” across all Premium, Midscale & Economy hotels in MEA, empowering ALL members to opt out of daily housekeeping in exchange for reward points, reducing water and energy use. From Dubai to Jeddah. across our network, Heartists are leading sustainability activations and thought leadership moments. We’re focused on action. We have over 220 MEA hotels now eco-certified in the region, and growing. We’ve partnered with WWF and Seafood Souq to protect biodiversity and ensure traceable sourcing through our Novotel brand. We’re scaling carbon-labelled menus with Klimato and Foodsteps, introducing 25% plant-based options, and running a region-wide Water Conservation campaign. Throughout August, all hotels are activating a dedicated Water Week, a hands-on, Heartist-led initiative that engages every department in practical, impactful action. From engineering to F&B and front office, teams are exploring how small daily habits contribute to our broader reduction targets. It’s transformation through measurable, systemic change as we’ve committed to reducing water consumption by 45% by 2030. The campaign also feeds into Accor: Race to Reduce, a regional competition rewarding the greatest water savings compared to 2024. Toolkits, communications, and gamified activities have been rolled out to hotels to ensure consistent implementation. This is sustainability in action, measurable, inclusive, and built to last.
Carlos Ruiz González – Director – Spain’s Tourist Office for GCC countries
In Spain we know you love travelling and we celebrate tourism every day by warmly welcoming our visitors. And we are aware that a responsible environmental approach is something tourists look for more and more in their holiday destinations. Spain is committed to transitioning towards a fully sustainable tourism, so that you can learn about our cultures, explore our villages and breathe the pure air of our national parks. The goal is to make more responsible use of natural spaces, boost local economies and guarantee employment throughout the year. To reach that goal, Spain is implementing the “2030 Sustainable Tourism Strategy” in line with the goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and is investing millions of euros in sustainability initiatives both in the private and the public tourism sector.
Muzzammil Ahussain, Chief Executive Officer of Almosafer (part of Seera Group)
On the occasion of World Tourism Day 2025, with its pivotal theme of ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,’ Almosafer reaffirms its unwavering commitment to shaping a future where travel truly enriches all. As a proud leader in Saudi Arabia’s dynamic travel and tourism sector, we are uniquely positioned to support this transformation, aligning seamlessly with the Kingdom’s visionary leadership in sustainability and innovation. Our approach is firmly rooted in leveraging digital innovation – including the responsible usage of Artificial Intelligence – to create more efficient and accessible travel experiences, while simultaneously championing our unparalleled local expertise. This powerful combination allows us to unlock tourism’s full potential – fostering economic growth that empowers local communities, preserving our rich cultural heritage and natural landscapes, and building a truly inclusive and resilient travel ecosystem for generations to come. We believe that through strategic digital advancement and a profound understanding of our local context, we are not just facilitating journeys, but actively contributing to a more sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future for Saudi Arabia and the world.
Iftikhar Hamdani – Area General Manager – Northern Emirates – Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah
In celebration of World Tourism Day 2025, themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah will open its doors to inhouse guests for a special showcase of its leading sustainability initiatives. Guests at Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel will have the opportunity to witness the hotel’s Air-to-Water technology in action – an innovative solution to reduce single-use plastic by generating clean drinking water from air. Meanwhile, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah will highlight its on-site water bottling plant and composting system, demonstrating its commitment to reducing plastic waste and converting food waste into natural compost. Both Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah have already implemented impactful green practices including Air-to-Water systems, Composting Machine, Onsite Water Bottling Plant and waste management system aimed to reducing environmental impact. Looking ahead, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel is set to implement composter machine to further minimize food waste, while Coral Beach Resort Sharjah is working toward achieving ISO 14001 environmental certification, aligning operations with global environmental management standards.
