Page 39 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2024 (Part 1)

Press Release

Emphasizing the tourism sector’s significance as a key driver of economic growth, H.E. Bin Touq
said that therefore it also contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development
Goals. The UAE continues to support global efforts to boost the sector’s sustainable development,
improve its resilience, and promote cooperation and exchange of insights for the localization of
advanced technology in tourism areas and activities, with the goal of developing a highly efficient
infrastructure that ensures a prosperous future for the sector.

“The meeting is an important step towards enhancing the exchange of expertise and deliberations
on mechanisms for cooperation among the G20 countries, to develop innovative tourism initiatives
that ensure the sustainable development of the sector and provide it with more opportunities,” he
said.
UAE’s efforts to develop tourism

Furthermore, H.E. Bin Touq elaborated on various initiatives and policies implemented by the
UAE to foster domestic tourism. These endeavours have played a significant role in establishing a
distinguished tourism infrastructure in the country in line with international best practices.
Additionally, the UAE has prioritised the development of premier and diverse tourism destinations
and offerings, while also ensuring the provision of superior services. The tourism sector
contributes significantly to the UAE’s economic diversification efforts, seamlessly aligning with
the objectives outlined in the ‘UAE Tourism Strategy 2031.’ The strategy aims to position the
UAE as a leading global tourism destination and increase the sector's contribution to the national
GDP to AED 450 billion by the next decade.

H.E. expressed his appreciation to the Republic of Brazil for organising the G20 Summit and
acknowledged Brazilian presidency's endeavours in ensuring the event’s success. H.E. expressed
his gratitude to the G20 members and international tourism organisations attending the ministerial
meeting for their concerted efforts in promoting the sustainability of global tourism.
In addition, H.E. Bin Touq highlighted the continuous growth in tourism exchanges between the
UAE and Brazil. The total number of Brazilian tourists who visited the UAE in 2023 exceeded
183,000, reflecting a remarkable rise of 46.4 per cent when compared to the 125,000 visitors in
2022. Currently, there are 50 flights connecting the two countries every month, operated by the
UAE's national carriers.

Meeting with tourism ministers of Brazil, India, Azerbaijan, and South Africa
On the meeting’s sidelines, H.E. Bin Touq met with H.E. Celso Sabino de Oliveira, the Minister
of Tourism of Brazil, H.E. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Indian Minister of Tourism, H.E. Patricia
de Lille, South African Minister of Tourism and H.E. Fuad Nagiyev, the Chairman of the State
Tourism Agency in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

H.E. Bin Touq apprised the ministers of the promising prospects within the UAE's tourism sector,
outlining the new initiatives that are currently being implemented. H.E. also emphasised the UAE's
efforts in nurturing effective partnerships with various global partners, which drive both economic