Page 33 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - JANUARY 2025

Press Release

UAE highlights its approach to promoting sustainability in tourism

at Davos

DAVOS, 24th January, 2025 (WAM) -- Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of
Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, highlighted the UAE's
approach to promoting sustainability in various economic sectors, particularly in tourism,
at Davos 2025.

He emphasised that the UAE has prioritised sustainability to increase the tourism sector's
contribution to the national gross domestic product (GDP) by launching ambitious
initiatives aimed at achieving the right balance between economic growth and preserving
the environment, climate, and natural resources. These efforts have solidified the UAE's
position as a premier global destination for sustainable tourism.

Al Marri's remarks came during a panel discussion titled "Charting the Course:
Sustainable Tourism towards Flexible Economies" at the Forum.

The session, which brought together various leaders and government and private sector
stakeholders involved in tourism and sustainability industries, focused on the crucial role
of sustainable tourism in supporting economic development and enhancing the flexibility
of local economies.

During his intervention, Bin Touq elaborated on the UAE's outstanding experience in
creating innovative sustainability strategies and integrating them into the tourism and
travel sectors. These efforts, remarkably the 'UAE Tourism Strategy 2031' - introduced in
late 2022 - have significantly enhanced the UAE's standing on the global tourism
landscape.

The strategy marked a pivotal milestone in driving the sector's growth and development in
line with international best practices. Its primary aim is to boost the sector's contribution
to the UAE's GDP to AED450 billion by the next decade.

He added that the 'World's Coolest Winter' campaign,' now in its fifth edition, was
introduced under the theme 'Green Tourism' as a global model for sustainable tourism. It
has played a significant role in highlighting the rich ecological and cultural diversity of
the UAE's destinations, while also promoting sustainable domestic tourism and attracting
international visitors.

Additionally, it has established new ideas and supports a wide range of domestic tourism
offerings, showcasing the uniqueness of attractions across the UAE's seven emirates.