Page 132 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - MARCH 2025

connectivity. For instance, Rotana manages 114 hotels in 49 cities across 23 countries around the
world. We strive to implement innovative visions and policies, given the sector’s role as a driver of
economic prosperity while prioritising sustainability and competitiveness,” Shaikha Al Nowais
added.

She explained: “The tourism industry is at a crossroads, with the world facing unprecedented global
challenges, notably climate change, the accelerating impact of technology and changing
geopolitical dynamics. These challenges call for resilient, forward-looking leadership and diverse
and collaborative solutions that can redefine the future of sustainable and responsible tourism.”

“My goal is to build on successful tourism models and expand them across regions such as Europe,
the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Asia and Latin America to promote sustainable and inclusive
growth and strengthen the global tourism ecosystem,” she said.

Al Nowais’s vision to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the global tourism sector
is built on the following six key pillars:

• Sustainable and responsible tourism growth: Reinforcing tourism's role as a transformative
economic force by leveraging it to support economic development, create job opportunities across
various tourism fields, expand business growth of tourism companies, connect cultures, and
preserve national reserves and cultural heritage.

• Digital transformation and smart tourism: Integrating advanced technologies, such as artificial
intelligence (AI) and blockchain, into emerging tourism markets, while also developing smart
infrastructure to offer exceptional and unique travel experiences, globally. The efforts aim to
enhance tourism destinations based on global best practices.

• Economic inclusion and continuity empowerment: Creating more job opportunities and
resources to enable the active participation of women, youth and diverse social groups in the
tourism sector. This strategy ensures comprehensive and balanced tourism growth.

• Education and capacity building: Developing the skills and expertise of professionals in the
tourism sector is essential for ensuring the sector's continued growth and prosperity, particularly in
light of the ongoing advancements. Strengthening collaboration with key entities to establish a
comprehensive ecosystem for training programs plays a crucial role in building a brighter future for
tourism.

• Resilience and crisis management: Strengthening the tourism sector's ability to adapt to future
global challenges, developing sustainable tourism products and fostering a culture of preserving
environmental and natural resources.

• Collaboration as a driver of success: Tourism thrives by forging partnerships between
governments, businesses and local communities. By fostering collocation, a more resilient and
sustainable tourism sector can be developed both regionally and globally.

https://en.aletihad.ae/news/uae/4561068/uae-s-shaikha-al-nowais-to-run-for-un-tourism-
secretary-gene