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9/16/25, 2:41 PM UAE reaffirms support for joint efforts to advance global tourism at G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting
In his speech, H.E. Bin Touq affirmed that, under the directives of its wise leadership, the UAE has
strengthened its position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations by developing advanced
infrastructure, enacting flexible legislation, and driving qualitative investments that enhance the sector’s
competitiveness and global appeal. He noted that tourism is a key pillar of the UAE’s economic

diversification strategy and a central driver of the “We the UAE 2031” vision, contributing to GDP growth
and increasing visitor numbers while reinforcing the country’s role as a global hub for tourism and travel.

H.E. said: “The G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting serves as a strategic platform to support international
efforts to advance the tourism sector. The UAE is committed to the priorities discussed, most notably AI

and digital innovation, sustainable finance, expanded air connectivity, and building resilience to ensure
comprehensive development that benefits all communities.” He emphasized that the UAE views the
meeting as an opportunity to exchange expertise and forge partnerships that shape the future of global
tourism, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to joint action with G20 partners to ensure inclusive digital

transformation and keep pace with technological progress.

Furthermore, the Minister of Economy and Tourism elaborated on the national efforts towards enabling
sustainability principles and digital innovation in the tourism sector. Among the most prominent of these
efforts is the launch of the fifth edition of the ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ campaign last year under the theme

‘Green Tourism.’ It succeeded in entrenching concepts of tourism diversity by encouraging green
tourism, agritourism, and sustainable ecological tourism, thereby creating a fertile tourism market for
investments and projects in this sector. H.E. explained that the UAE has placed digital transformation at
the heart of its National Tourism Strategy 2031.

H.E. Bin Touq added that financing and sustainable investment are vital to ensuring the continuity and

growth of the tourism sector, underscoring the importance of innovative financing programs and
strategic partnerships with development banks. He further highlighted that enhancing global air
connectivity remains a cornerstone of sustainable tourism, noting the UAE’s continued investment in
modern aviation networks, the integration of multimodal transport systems, infrastructure upgrades, and

the adoption of digital travel solutions that facilitate global mobility.

The meeting’s agenda addressed ways to accelerate the adoption of digital solutions and artificial
intelligence to support SMEs and startups in the tourism sector, alongside developing new mechanisms
to finance sustainable tourism investments. Discussions also focused on strengthening air connectivity
through new routes, market liberalization, and integrated transport systems, in addition to measures to

bolster the sector’s resilience against health, climate, and economic challenges.

Significant growth in the UAE's tourism and hospitality sector

The UAE’s tourism sector has maintained robust growth in recent years, with positive performance
indicators recorded in the first half of 2025. During this period, hotel establishments welcomed more than

16 million guests, marking a 5.5 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. The total

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