Zambia’s Tourism Minister Arrives in Riyadh for UN Tourism General Assembly
Zambia’s Minister of Tourism, Honourable Rodney Sikumba, has arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to attend the 26th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism).
The gathering, hosted by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, brings together global tourism leaders to deliberate on policies shaping the future of the sector.
The UN Tourism General Assembly is the organisation’s highest decision-making body and serves as a key platform for Ministers, senior government officials and private sector representatives from around the world.
During his official engagements, Minister Sikumba will take part in plenary deliberations, including the 124th and 125th Sessions of the Executive Council. He is also expected to join the thematic debate on Artificial Intelligence and Innovation in Shaping Global Tourism, a high-level dialogue focused on digital transformation, competitiveness and sustainability.
Hon Sikumba will further represent the African region in his capacity as Chairperson of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) when the extended UN Tourism Africa Investment Report is launched in Riyadh. The report is expected to highlight opportunities, investment trends and growth prospects for the continent’s tourism sector.
Alongside the official sessions, the Minister will hold bilateral and multilateral meetings with fellow Ministers, investors, international organisations and private sector leaders. These engagements are aimed at strengthening cooperation, marketing Zambia as a prime tourism investment destination and expanding partnerships anchored on sustainable development.
Government officials say the meetings will also result in the signing of Memoranda of Understanding with strategic partner countries. The agreements will focus on tourism development, heritage conservation, skills exchange and mutual investment promotion.
The Zambian delegation includes senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, the Zambia Tourism Agency, the Zambia Institute for Tourism and Hospitality Studies (ZITHS), and Zambian Missions accredited to France and Saudi Arabia.
The 26th Session of the UN Tourism General Assembly runs from 7 to 14 November 2025.
