Page 494 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - MAY 2025 ( Part 2)

5/22/25, 1:16 PM UAE-Croatia Strengthen Economic Ties In Key Sectors
He further urged private sector stakeholders to seize emerging opportunities and enhance cross-market dialogue, aligning with the
shared aspirations of the UAE and Croatia for sustainable economic development.

Broader European Engagement
Share it:
Bin Touq’s European mission also included meetings with Tonči Glavina, Croatia’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Rosario Sánchez
Grau, Spain’s Secretary of State for Tourism. These discussions revolved around strengthening sustainable tourism practices, promoting
investment, and fostering long-term partnerships.
“The UAE continues to support initiatives and projects aimed at sustaining global tourism growth, fostering collaboration with the UN
Tourism and its member states, and expanding cooperation in various tourism sub-sectors,” Bin Touq said.
He highlighted the UAE’s Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to elevate the country’s global tourism standing. The strategy sets
ambitious targets including increasing the tourism sector’s GDP contribution to AED 450 billion, attracting AED 100 billion in tourism
investments and welcoming 40 million guests annually by 2031.
UAE’s Tourism Growth in Focus

During his meetings, Bin Touq also shared recent UAE tourism performance data, noting hotel revenues of AED 45 billion in 2024,
reflecting a 3% year-over-year growth. The national hotel occupancy rate reached 78%, one of the highest globally. In addition, 16 new
hotels were opened, bringing the total to 1,251 by the end of last year.
In discussions with Sánchez Grau, Bin Touq and the Spanish side examined the latest global tourism trends and explored potential joint
initiatives to drive mutual growth in the sector.

The UAE’s tour across European economic and tourism institutions underscores its strategic commitment to building diversified
international partnerships and accelerating sustainable development through innovation, investment, and global collaboration.

https://www.thefinance360.com/uae-croatia-strengthen-economic-ties-in-key-sectors-focus-on-tourism-and-sustainable-growth/ 2/2