UAE participated in the G20 Tourism Ministers' meeting 2024, held recently in Brazil, that was aimed at promoting cooperation among member states in support of sustainable tourism development, as well as discussing diverse opportunities in the sector.

Representing the UAE, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, said that the meeting is an important step towards developing new initiatives that support the sustainability of tourism regionally and globally.

“The UAE today has become a major destination for tourists from around the world, owing to its strategic location connecting the East and the West and its efficient aviation and tourism connectivity and infrastructure.

“The UAE’s tourism sector continues its exceptional growth year after year. It grew by 26% in 2023 compared to that of 2022, breaking the records achieved in 2019 by 14%.

“Its contribution to the national GDP reached approximately AED 220 billion, equivalent to 11.7%. In addition, the country's airports received approximately 72 million passengers in the first half of 2024, reflecting a 14% growth over the same period in 2023.

“Moreover, the UAE’s 1,240 hotels recorded more than 53 million guest nights, with occupancy rate reaching 80%, one of the highest globally.”

The minister noted that these figures reflect the country’s leading position in the global tourism and travel landscape.

They underscore the sector’s importance in the growth and competitiveness of the national economy and supporting digital transformation, as well as increasing the number of SMEs operating in various tourism-related fields in line with ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, he said.

Emphasising the tourism sector’s significance as a key driver of economic growth, Bin Touq said that therefore it also contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

The UAE continues to support global efforts to boost the sector’s sustainable development, improve its resilience, and promote cooperation and exchange of insights for the localisation of advanced technology in tourism areas and activities, with the goal of developing a highly efficient infrastructure that ensures a prosperous future for the sector. – TradeArabia News Service