Page 261 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 2)

4/15/25, 4:57 PM AIM Congress explores future of tourism investment | Business | emirates7
The roundtable highlighted the significant role of tourism in driving economic
resilience, job creation, and sustainable development. In the opening remarks, the

region's leadership in crafting future-focused policies to attract high-quality

investments that balance growth with environmental conservation was celebrated.

Abdulla Ahmed Alsaleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, stated, “Thanks
to the vision of our leadership, the UAE has solidified its position as a global tourism

investment hub. We aim to secure AED100 billion in new tourism investments by 2031.”

Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Bahrain’s Minister of Tourism, emphasized Bahrain’s

evolving tourism policies and thriving investment environment. She highlighted the
country’s role in promoting sustainable tourism while aligning with global tourism

development goals and offering attractive investment opportunities through Golden
Licences, including two specifically designed for the tourism sector. Bahrain's “one-

stop-shop” approach and investor-friendly regulations continue to position it as a key
player in global tourism collaboration.

Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, Iran's Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and
Handicrafts, revealed a major shift in the country’s tourism strategy, focusing on

greater private sector participation and investment-driven growth.

Yomna Elbahar, Egypt’s Vice Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, spoke about Egypt’s
progress in tourism, emphasizing the country’s commitment to innovation in

hospitality. She highlighted the nation’s efforts to bring together industry leaders to

explore branded living and luxury hospitality, shaping the future of the sector.

Nan Li Collins from UNCTAD stressed the need for resilient, environmentally conscious
investment frameworks, while Matthew Stephenson from the World Economic Forum

discussed the transformative role of digital innovation and AI in reshaping post-
pandemic tourism.

Speakers unanimously agreed that public-private partnerships, green financing, and

investment in human capital are essential to unlock tourism’s full potential. The session
concluded with a call to integrate policy innovation, technology, and sustainability as

the driving principles for shaping the future of global tourism investment.

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