RIYADH: Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb visited the World Tourism Organization’s regional office in Riyadh, accompanied by Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO secretary-general, and Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud, the country’s vice minister of tourism, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday. Al-Khateeb received an update on the office’s progress, as well as hearing of future plans being developed in accordance with the organization’s Middle East strategy. The visit was part of a wider collaboration between the Kingdom’s Ministry of Tourism and the UNWTO to boost the tourism sector and its role in promoting sustainable economic growth, job creation, and a high quality of life in the region. The minister praised the office for its involvement in the success of the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative, which held its annual ceremony in AlUla on Sunday. Al-Khateeb also lauded the office’s role in coordinating policies and initiatives among the states in the region.