Page 715 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2025 Part 1

2/26/25, 3:46 PM UAE’s re-election to UNWTO Executive Council for 2025–2029 announced at the meeting | UAE News 24/7
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.

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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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