The World Government Summit .. 1.3 billion the number of tourists globally and digital transformations re -draw the future of the sector

Dubai February 13/ WAM/ The second day of the World Summit of Governments 2025 in Dubai witnessed dialogue sessions that discussed tourism and cultural diplomacy, during which a group of experts and creators discussed the role of entertainment, art and sports in shaping the identity of countries and enhancing their soft power, in addition to the impact of digital development on The tourism sector and the role of governments in its support.
Participants in the session “The power of crossing creativity” discussed the role of cultural diplomacy as a tool to enhance unity and cooperation between countries, highlighting the influence of arts, technology and innovation in building bridges of cultural communication.
Rafik Anadolu, an artist and director, stressed during the session that the world lives in an exceptional moment in forming the future thanks to artificial intelligence, which contributes to providing an integrated sensory experience, including smell, taste, and touch, which was called “Generative Reality”, which is after New transcends virtual and enhanced reality, allows an overwhelming interactive experience.
He pointed out that Dubai continues its leadership in adopting an impressive future based on artificial intelligence, stressing that this future must be moral by collecting responsible data and sustainable computing.
For his part, David Stern, Chairman of the Witan Group, praised Dubai as a model for the city that adopts the best technologies with an exceptional vision, considering that this extends to include digital art and new cultural developments.
In the session “Cultural Tourism Policies and the Role of Governments in Formulating them”, His Excellency Ayman Al -Moayad, Secretary -General of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports in Bahrain, stressed that hotels alone are no longer sufficient to attract tourists, but an integrated experience must be provided that includes entertainment, the tourism ecosystem, and smart solutions for reservation And payment.
He added that sport continues its growth as one of the largest engines of tourism economics, with great opportunities for expansion and development at the global government level.
For his part, His Excellency Nasser Al -Khater, CEO of the FIFA World Cup FIFA Qatar 2022, explained that the sports sector has a radical change, as fans are no longer satisfied with following the matches traditionally, but sport became part of an integrated entertainment experience.
He added that countries that host major events must realize that they have one opportunity to build a strong reputation, and they must provide an exceptional experience for fans for their time and money.
For her part, Julian Tans, Chairman and former CEO of “Booking.com”, reviewed the massive growth in the tourism sector, noting that the number of tourists globally increased from 25 million in 1950 to 1.3 billion last year, and is expected to reach 5.3 One billion passengers in the coming years thanks to the remote work and extended residencies.
Tans stressed that tourists are looking for authentic experiences similar to the lives of the locals, while increasing interest in sustainability and personal experiences, noting that governments should play a major role in supporting sustainable tourism infrastructure.
It also expected the sector to witness a major digital development through smart solutions that facilitate travelers to identify their destinations and a more special and easy travel experience.
In the session “The Role of Entertainment in Forming the Media Identity of the Countries and its Soft Power,” Stephen Baglioka, founder and CEO of the “Pagsgroup” group, and Batoche Batbold, head of the Mongolian Olympic Committee, along with Jeremy Gutri, former player in the World Bibul Championship, and Linder Pais, a player The former Indian tennis and founder of “Flying Man Ventures”, the global expansion of sports and its growing role in influencing the economy and culture.
The speakers emphasized that the major tournaments such as “NBA and MLB” have become more universal, as international players are a large part of local teams and clubs, which raised the level of competition and public attention.
The session also dealt with the role of technology in digital broadcasting, as the major teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool enabled billions of fans globally, making sport more globalized and widespread.
Finally, the influence of sport on the identity of cities and societies has been highlighted, as the major championships enhance cultural pride and contribute to economic growth, establishing sport as an essential part of the global economic and recreational experience.
In an attempt to explore the role of artists and creators in advancing the global economy, a session was held entitled “How can creators lead the future of the economy?”, With the participation of Mike Ingeger, the author of songs, guitarist and one of the founding members of the Incipos, Reix Kodo, the music product.
The speakers discussed how to benefit from creativity in entertainment, culture and technology to enhance economic growth.

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