The event
In November 2025, Paris Norriss took the stage in Riyadh at the annual General Assembly of UN Tourism, the United Nations agency for tourism. He spoke at the Opening Ceremony of the plenary session, helping to kick off the meeting.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted the assembly. Paris thanked His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for his gracious hospitality, and Ion Vilcu for his inspiring words and for managing the UN Tourism Affiliate Members programme.
The audience
The plenary brought together the UN Tourism community: delegations, ministers and affiliate members from across the global tourism industry, gathered to advance sustainable tourism worldwide. Paris described looking forward to “intellectual and productive discussion to advance sustainable tourism globally”.
What Paris spoke about
Paris is a storyteller first. Adventure TV has shaped his career, and he has spent 17 years in the Gulf making TV shows that uncover the culture of the Middle East. That background makes sustainable tourism a natural fit.
His aim, in his own words, is to promote the advancement of sustainable tourism worldwide, with exciting plans in partnership that will let him put his media and speaking talents to powerful use.
A proud moment for Blazing Sand Studios
The assembly also marked a milestone for Paris’s production company. Blazing Sand Studios, a brand of GID Global Media Production, was inducted as an affiliate member of UN Tourism. “It’s a proud moment in our journey,” Paris wrote.
It brings together the two sides of Paris’s work, film production and the stage, behind a cause he cares about.
Highlights
- Spoke at the Opening Ceremony of the UN Tourism General Assembly plenary session in Riyadh.
- Blazing Sand Studios was inducted as a UN Tourism affiliate member.
- Hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism.
Speaking in Saudi Arabia
Paris speaks at conferences, leadership events and forums across the Kingdom, delivering The Grit Code and hosting or moderating sessions.
About The Grit Code keynote
The Grit Code is built on real stories from extreme environments. Paris rowed 4,800km across the Pacific Ocean in 2023 with the Brothers N Oars crew, a row that raised more than £150,000 for marine conservation. He also ran seven marathons on seven continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes, in Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza and Miami.
From those experiences he draws practical lessons on purpose, vision, limiting beliefs, adapting a plan and keeping a clear head under pressure. He has delivered the keynote for audiences including the UN Tourism General Assembly, TEDx Amman, COP28, Expo 2020, DHL, Nokia, Kraft Heinz, IHG, Dubai Airports, Durlston Partners in London and Surfbreak in Honolulu. Every talk starts with a briefing call, so the stories connect to your theme, your industry and the challenges your people are facing right now.
“It was an honor to kickstart the UN Tourism meeting, speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the plenary session.”
— Paris Norriss on LinkedIn
Gallery
Want Paris for your own conference or leadership event? Read more about The Grit Code, see more past speaking events or send an enquiry. Planning an event in the region? See Paris as a keynote speaker in Saudi Arabia.
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