Page 707 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2025 Part 1

2/26/25, 3:46 PM UAE Participates In 51St UN Tourism Regional Commission Meeting In Doha To Contribute To Enhancing Tourism Sustainabilit…
opportunities and enablers that ensure its growth, sustainability, and resilience in the face of
economic, environmental, and health challenges. Restructuring tourism is key to enhancing
the competitiveness of our tourism offerings and keeping pace with the latest global trends
and digital and environmental advancements.”

H.E. added:“The UAE has recognized the significance of tourism as a key driver of economic
growth. In line with this belief, it has been keen on developing national strategies and plans
aimed at advancing and sustaining the national tourism sector's growth. This includes the
'UAE Tourism Strategy 2031,' which now serves as a roadmap for enhancing the nation's
tourism identity, solidifying its position as a leading global tourism hub.”
Speaking on behalf of H.E. Bin Touq at the meeting, H.E. Abdullah Al Saleh said:“The UAE
has adopted flexible economic policies and invested consistently into developing
infrastructure, establishing pioneering tourism projects, integrating technology into tourism-
related activities. The UAE has also been fostering innovation in tourism services, building
strong regional and international partnerships, and launching innovative marketing
campaigns to promote tourism 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.

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