Page 759 - 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
billion.

The 31st edition of ATM, being hosted at Dubai World Travel Centre (DWTC) until 9th May,

discussed Gulf-wide collaboration, ease of inter-regional travel and infrastructure

development.

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Al Marri’s speech was followed by a panel discussion among Khalid Jasim Al Midfa,

Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; Fahd
Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority; Azzan Al Busaidi, Under-Secretary of

Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman; and Sarah Buhijji, CEO of the
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. The session was moderated by Dubai Eye

presenter, Richard Dean.

During the in-depth discussion, the ministerial panellists explored the importance of inter-
regional initiatives in elevating the GCC tourism industry to the next level, while striking the

right balance between collaboration and competition between destinations and nations.

The 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,

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