Page 49 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 (Part 1)

Press Release

During his meeting with H.E. Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism of South Africa, H.E.
Bin Touq reviewed the latest global developments in the sector and mechanisms to foster
its sustainable growth. The meeting also explored avenues for strengthening bilateral
cooperation in tourism activities, establishing new partnerships that enhance visitor
experiences, and advancing the long-term sustainability of the sector in both countries. It
is noteworthy that the number of tourists from South Africa visiting the UAE exceeded
178,767 in 2024, while air connectivity between the two countries reached around 55
weekly flights operated by airlines from both nations.

The two ministers discussed mechanisms to maximize the outcomes of the UAE–Africa
Tourism Investment Summit, support mutual tourism investments between the two
countries, and encourage the establishment of new and diversified tourism projects across
both the public and private sectors. The discussions also focused on fostering economic
growth and developing tourism infrastructure in alignment with the strategic visions of
both the UAE and South Africa for this vital sector.

In addition, H.E. Bin Touq held a meeting with his Zambian counterpart to discuss ways to
enable the business communities of both countries to capitalize on investment opportunities
in the tourism sector. The meeting sought to expand the scope of economic partnership,
encourage joint investments that contribute to the development of tourism infrastructure,
and enhance mutual tourism flows, thereby fostering sustainable growth in the sector.

The meeting emphasized the importance of building upon the progress achieved across
various areas of tourism cooperation to further strengthen bilateral economic relations.

Enhancing cooperation between tourism companies in the UAE and Albania
Finally, H.E. Bin Touq’s meeting with H.E. Blendi Gonxhja, Albanian Minister of Tourism,
Culture, and Sports, discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between tourism companies
in both markets. The meeting further explored ways to deepen bilateral collaboration,
focusing on developing and launching innovative tourism and leisure initiatives that
encourage the exchange of visitors and delegations between the two countries. The
ministers also emphasized the importance of strengthening joint efforts to launch
coordinated marketing campaigns promoting key tourist attractions and destinations in
both nations.

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