Ms. Pansy Ho, Group Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Shun Tak Holdings Limited, attended the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 9 November in her capacity as a UN Tourism Ambassador. Themed “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future”, the assembly convened approximately 1,400 delegates from 148 countries and territories, including 90 ministerial-level officials and leaders from industry and civil society, to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of tourism.

As the most influential international organization in the global tourism industry, UN Tourism has dedicated over half a century to promoting economic development, cross-cultural exchange, and peace through tourism. With the accelerating digital transformation of the industry, profound transformations are occurring across destination discovery, itinerary planning, and experiential consumption. This year’s assembly focused on how artificial intelligence and digital transformation are reshaping the tourism landscape and advancing sustainable development.

The assembly adopted several significant resolutions, including the formal appointment of Ms. Shaikha Al Nowais as the new Secretary-General, who will assume office in January 2026, becoming UN Tourism’s first female and first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General. The assembly also adopted the Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism, establishing a framework for member states’ cooperation over the next 50 years. The declaration reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global tourism and highlights key pillars including sustainability, digital innovation, AI integration, and an inclusive tourism economy, which will play a vital role in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

As an integrated cultural and tourism enterprise deeply rooted in the Greater Bay Area, Shun Tak Group will uphold the development philosophy of “shaping tourism with cultural activities and promoting culture through tourism”. The Group will actively deepening the integration of cultural and tourism sectors into the global tourism value chain. Leveraging international forums and platforms, Shun Tak will collaborate with global stakeholders to advance the cultural and tourism industry toward a new phase of high-quality development and further enhance its international influence.