Madrid, Dec 1, 2021, SPA -- Abha-based Soudah Development Company (SDC), which is subsidiary to the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, announced today that it has officially joined as an associate member of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which is interested in promoting the tourism sector as a major driver of economic growth and environmental sustainability globally. SDC is the 25th affiliated member from the Middle East region in the Organization, which includes more than 500 members around the world and a group of the most important Saudi companies and destinations, such as NEOM, Qiddiya, the Red Sea Development Company and the Royal Commission for Al-Ula Governorate. SDC was chosen as a member of UNWTO on the sidelines of the 24th session of the Organization General Assembly which was held in the Spanish capital, Madrid. Soudah Development’s joining UNWTO contributes to achieving the company’s goals in developing the tourism and entertainment sectors by celebrating the natural, cultural and heritage, protecting natural resources and wildlife, and empowering the local community in Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa in line with the objectives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. On the occasion, SDC CEO, Eng. Hossam El-Din Al-Madani confirmed that the company is working to build strategic partnerships with organizations to complement the ongoing efforts to develop a luxury mountain tourist destination, indicating that joining UNWTO confirms the company’s commitment to applying the highest international standards and cooperating with the best international bodies to promote Soudah as a mountain destination maintaining environmental sustainability to annually attract two million visitors by 2030. --SPA 21:06 LOCAL TIME 18:06 GMT 0031 www.spa.gov.sa/w1658781