Page 61 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2025 Part 1

Press Release

destinations across the seven emirates. These efforts have significantly contributed to the sector’s
sustained growth in recent years."

H.E. Al Saleh highlighted the UAE’s remarkable progress in developing new tourism experiences
that cater to the expectations of younger generations. For instance, initiatives such as the ‘UAE
Grand Tours’ have been instrumental in encouraging tourists to explore the country's rich cultural
and environmental diversity, thereby enhancing their overall experience and extending their stays.

Moreover, H.E. highlighted key milestones in the UAE’s tourism sector, including a four per cent
growth in hotel establishment revenues, reaching AED 37.1 billion from January to October 2024,
compared to the same period in 2023. The total number of hotel guests across seven emirates soared
to approximately 24.9 million in the first ten months of 2024, reflecting a 9.5 per cent growth from
2023. Additionally, the UAE’s aviation sector recorded a 10 per cent surge in passenger traffic,
reaching 147.8 million travelers in 2024, up from 134 million in 2023.

The Undersecretary emphasized the UAE’s unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism under
the forward-looking vision of its wise leadership, driven by eco-friendly practices and innovative
initiatives that promote environmental sustainability. These efforts include the integration of clean
energy solutions into hotel establishments, expansion of ecotourism in nature reserves, and the
harnessing of smart technology to offer sustainable tourism experiences. The UAE also champions
eco-friendly practices such as recycling, green transportation, and the development of sustainable
hotels powered by solar energy and green technology.

H.E. emphasized the UAE’s call for strengthening regional collaboration through fostering
experience-sharing, joint training programs, and initiatives to enhance intra-regional tourism and
diversifying tourism destinations. He further stressed the importance of UNWTO’s pioneering
initiatives and member states' efforts to advance tourism growth and support collaboration to
develop comprehensive strategies based on innovation and sustainability, with a focus on
cooperation in hosting major tourism events to drive economic growth.

In conclusion, H.E. reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting regional and international
efforts to enhance tourism sector growth. He expressed the UAE’s eagerness to strengthen
collaboration with all partners to build a more prosperous and sustainable tourism future, reflecting
shared aspirations for a resilient and thriving industry.

H.E. extended his gratitude to Qatar for its generous hospitality and excellent organization of this
important meeting, which is a key platform for advancing tourism cooperation in the Middle East.
He also thanked UNWTO for its continuous efforts in developing this vital sector and fostering
collaboration among countries in the region to achieve sustainable tourism development.

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