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Press Release

UAE reaffirms support for joint efforts to advance global tourism at

G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting

Meeting discusses several priority topics for advancing global tourism, including
the means to enhance digital innovation, sustainable finance and investment

Abu Dhabi,15 September 2025 - The UAE delegation, led by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri,
Minister of Economy and Tourism, participated in the G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting 2025, held
in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The meeting discussed several priority topics for advancing the
global tourism sector – most notably the means to enhance digital innovation, sustainable finance
and investment, expansion of air connectivity, and enhancing the sector’s resilience.

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.

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