ASIATODAY.ID, RIYADH — Indonesia made a bold statement on the global stage at the UN Tourism General Assembly 2025, reaffirming its determination to position local tourism villages as a new force driving global sustainable tourism.
In front of delegations from 148 countries, Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to elevating the Best Tourism Villages Network through technical assistance, global promotion platforms, capacity building, and deeper international cooperation.
“Indonesia is proposing concrete initiatives to strengthen the global network of Best Tourism Villages. Our goal is to boost their collective potential while contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable global tourism ecosystem,” Minister Widi stated on November 15, 2025.
Strengthening Indonesia’s Influence in the UN Tourism Executive Council
During the 124th and 125th Executive Council Meetings, Indonesia reaffirmed its appreciation for long-standing cooperation with UN Tourism. The sessions discussed: the latest global tourism trends, implementation of the General Programme of Work, financial and human resource reports, and the establishment of the Interinstitutional Working Group on Tourism and Climate Action.
Brazil was elected Chair of the Executive Council, while Slovenia and China were appointed Vice Chairs. The Council also endorsed the Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism.
UN Tourism General Assembly 2025: A Historic Milestone
The 26th General Assembly marked the 50th anniversary of UN Tourism. More than 1,400 delegates, including 90 ministers and 70 ambassadors, gathered in Riyadh.
Key agenda items included: performance reports of the organization, election of the new Secretary-General, updates from regional and thematic offices, and the selection of members of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics.
Shaikha Al Nowais: The First Female Secretary-General in 50 Years
The Assembly formally ratified Shaikha Al Nowais as the next Secretary-General for the 2026–2029 term, making her the first woman to lead UN Tourism since its founding.
She outlined her five core priorities:
1. Responsible tourism
2. Capacity development
3. Technology for good
4. Innovative financing
5. Smart governance
She also honored outgoing Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili for his leadership.
Indonesia Pushes a Major Leap: Tourism 5.0 and AI Integration
In the High-Level Policy Debate titled “The Transformation of Tourism through Artificial Intelligence”, Minister Widi presented Indonesia’s vision for Tourism 5.0, the next-generation digital tourism strategy.
Indonesia is preparing to launch three major AI-driven innovations:
AI Travel Planner – personalized itineraries based on visitor preferences
AI Travel Companion – a real-time chatbot available in 19 languages
AI Command Centre – a data analytics hub to monitor tourist trends and destination performance
She also underscored the importance of the national AI Ethics Framework currently being developed to ensure safe, inclusive, and responsible AI implementation.
Indonesia Supports the Riyadh Declaration
Saudi Arabia introduced the Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism, promoting a global commitment to smart, sustainable, and humane tourism built on digital innovation.
The declaration—non-binding in nature—encourages: accelerated sustainable tourism development, responsible digital transformation, strengthened crisis preparedness and resilience.
Indonesia expressed full support for this shared global vision.
Indonesia Secures Seat on the UN Tourism Ethics Committee
Indonesia appointed Armol Bobby Titus, CEO of PT Indonesia Wise, to serve on the World Committee on Tourism Ethics. The committee ensures global tourism development aligns with ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible principles.
Its key responsibilities include: evaluating policies in line with the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, advising stakeholders on emerging ethical issues, overseeing ethical compliance in UN Tourism–supported projects, handling reported violations from member states or stakeholders.
Indonesia Poised to Lead a New Era of Global Tourism Villages
Indonesia’s strong presence at UN Tourism 2025 signals more than diplomatic participation—it marks a declaration of ambition and readiness.
With empowered tourism villages, AI-driven digital transformation, and a firm commitment to sustainability and global partnerships, Indonesia is positioning itself as a driving force in the future of global tourism. (AT Network)
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