Page 33 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - JUNE 2024

Press Release

H.E added: “The tourism sector in the region and the world will witness a new era of
growth and prosperity. This follows the robust recovery of the global tourism

industry in 2023, where growth indicators reached 88 per cent of pre-pandemic levels
and generated an estimated USD1.6 trillion in revenue according to United Nations
Tourism data. These developments underscore the need to make more efforts towards

tourism development.”

His Excellency continued: "The UAE tourism sector is a strong bridge to promote
the growth and sustainability of the national economy. The country has been keen to

develop this vital sector by launching pioneering tourism projects, initiatives and
strategies, notably the ‘National Tourism Strategy 2031’. This strategy aims to
significantly boost the sector’s contribution to the GDP, targeting AED 450 billion,

attract investments totaling AED 100 billion by the next decade, and introduce the
‘National Tourism Charter’. This charter provides a strategic framework to foster
sustainable growth in tourism, preserving the country’s heritage, natural and cultural

treasures for future generations. Additionally, the launch of the ‘Hospitality
Advisory Council’, enhances UAE’s attractiveness for domestic and foreign
investments in the hospitality, hotel and accommodation sectors.”

His Excellency bin Touq reviewed some indications and results that showed the high
position of UAE tourism on the global competitiveness indicators, including

achieving a significant 26 per cent growth rate in 2023 compared to 2022, surpassing
the growth rate of 2019 by 14 per cent. The sector contributes around AED 220
billion, 11.7 pert cent to the national GDP. Additionally, the UAE is ranked first
th
regionally and 18 globally on the Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024,

while being the sixthbiggest market in the world in terms of tourism revenue in 2023,
totaling AED 191 billion.

His Excellency bin Touq highlighted several tourism projects undertaken by the
UAE recently. These include expanding airport capacity, developing tourist
attractions and destinations according to best international practices, upgrading

transportation infrastructure, and integrating cutting-edge technologies to improve
traveler experiences at the country’s airports. H.E also emphasized the launch of a

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