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Press Release

Emirates Tourism Council reviews initiatives aimed at developing the

sector and enhancing awareness of hospitality & hotel management

concepts among young people

Developments regarding the ‘UAE Grand Tours’ project and the ‘Summer
Hospitality Camp’ initiative discussed

Abu Dhabi, 01 May 2025 - The Emirates Tourism Council held its second meeting of 2025,
chaired by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Council,
and attended by directors general of local tourism authorities in the country. The meeting discussed
several strategic topics related to enhancing the competitiveness of the tourism sector in the
country, as well as increasing its contribution to the national GDP, in line with the objectives of
the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.

During the meeting, H.E. Bin Touq stated that the UAE’s tourism sector continues to perform
exceptionally, thanks to the wise leadership’s vision that has prioritized this sector in sustainable
development plans. The adoption of forward-looking policies and strategies has established
tourism as a key driver of national economic growth and a fundamental pillar in the transition to
an innovative, flexible, knowledge-based economy.

The Minister of Economy reviewed the latest performance indicators of the sector for 2024, which
include a 3 per cent year-over-year growth in hotel revenues, a rise in hotel occupancy rates to 78
per cent – one of the highest regionally and globally - as well as a 9.5 per cent growth in the number
of hotel guests, alongside the addition of 16 new hotels to the sector.

H.E. explained that these growth figures reflect the success of the tourism strategies adopted by the
country, and confirm the UAE's leadership in the sector at both regional and global levels. He
added that the sector’s continued growth enhances the opportunities to achieve the goals of the
National Tourism Strategy to attract 40 million hotel guests by 2031.

H.E. Abdullah bin Touq added: “The Emirates Tourism Council works in collaboration with our
government and private sector partners, and we are keen to develop the national tourism ecosystem
through more strategic initiatives and innovative projects, ensuring the sustainability of the sector,

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