Page 756 - MOE ENGLISH PR - MAY 2024

5/14/24, 4:11 PM Tourism projected to account for 12% of UAE's GDP in 2024: Minister of Economy | Emirates News Agency
planned GCC Unified Tourist Visa was cited as a key

facilitator for the region, alongside factors such as

sustainability, infrastructure and culture.

Panellists said that the planned unified visa would allow

member nations to present the GCC as a connected

destination, boosting accessibility and driving key

performance indicators (KPIs) such as length of stay,

average spend and employment. Speakers noted they

would continue to ensure that the travel industry

positively impacts local businesses, communities and

ecosystems, contributing to the long-term sustainability

of tourism across the region.

Participants also explained that current and future

infrastructure will complement the GCC Unified Tourist

Visa by enhancing accessibility within and between Gulf

nations. In addition to ongoing investment in new and

existing airports and cruise terminals, the ministerial

speakers highlighted the central role of the upcoming

GCC Railway in facilitating and optimising region-wide

access for both domestic and international visitors.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel

Market, said, “While it’s clear that healthy competition

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