Minister Vijitha Herath Strengthens Global Tourism and Investment Ties at UNWTO General Assembly in Riyadh
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath represented Sri Lanka at the 26th Session of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly, held from 8–11 November 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the organization’s 50th anniversary.
During his visit, the Minister held productive bilateral meetings with global counterparts, including H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan of Saudi Arabia, where both sides discussed strengthening political, economic, and investment cooperation. The Saudi Minister also presented commemorative stamps marking 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Minister Herath met tourism ministers from India, Egypt, and South Africa, exploring partnerships in eco, heritage, spiritual, and MICE tourism, while also inviting investments in Sri Lanka’s AI technology, aquaculture, wellness, and healthcare sectors.
Sri Lanka expressed strong support for the “Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism”, aligning with the country’s digitalization and tourism growth agenda.
On the sidelines, the Minister inaugurated the Sri Lanka Manpower Pavilion at the 7th HRLS Expo 2025, promoting skilled employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia, and witnessed the signing of an MoU establishing the Sri Lanka–Saudi Arabia Joint Business Council, a historic step to boost private sector collaboration.
Minister Herath’s engagements reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships, attracting investment, and advancing sustainable tourism development.
