Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest investor in tourism, which is an essential component of sustainable growth and future prosperity, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said on Friday. Al-Khateeb remarks came ahead of the second United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Global Tourism Investment Forum in Cabo Verde. The minister will join other tourism leaders for the second UNWTO Global Tourism Investment Forum. “Tourism is an essential component of sustainable growth and future prosperity,” Al-Khateeb said. Al-Khateeb who’s visiting CaboVerde currently is set to meet several counterparts from African countries and other. “Delighted to be in the beautiful country of CaboVerde for UNWTO meetings and to meet my tourism counterparts from Africa, to strengthen relationships and discuss how we can redesign tourism for the future,” Al-Khateeb tweeted on Thursday. Al-Khateeb said after meeting his African counterparts in Cabo Verde: “It is time to redesign tourism to make it more resilient and ensure long term success. Saudi Arabia is committed to tourism, Africa and ensuring the sector flourishes.” He met with Gambian Minister of Tourism and Culture on the sidelines of the UNWTO Africa Commission meeting. Al-Khateeb expressed his appreciation for the partnership between Saudi Arabia and Gambia. He said we plan on working closely together to redesign tourism and ensure the sector drives prosperity. Al-Khateeb thanked Cabo Verde and Minister Dr. Carlos Jorge Duarte Santos for hosting tourism ministers from across Africa at a vital time. “Looking forward to working together for the future of this critical sector.” The Al-Khateeb also met with Cote d"lvoire"s Minister of Tourism Siandou Fofana. They discussed the challenges facing tourism because of COVID-19.