Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (WAM)
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, represented the UAE at the G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting 2024, held recently in Brazil.
The meeting aimed to promote cooperation among member states in support of sustainable tourism development and discuss various opportunities within the sector.
In his speech, Bin Touq stated, "Under the directives of its wise leadership, the UAE has become a major destination for tourists from around the world, owing to its strategic location connecting the East and West and its efficient aviation and tourism connectivity and infrastructure."
Bin Touq continued, "The UAE’s tourism sector continues its exceptional growth year after year. It grew by 26 percent in 2023 compared to 2022, surpassing 2019 records by 14 percent. The sector's contribution to national GDP reached approximately AED220 billion, equivalent to 11.7 percent. In addition, the country's airports received around 72 million passengers in the first half of 2024, reflecting a 14 percent growth over the same period in 2023. Moreover, the UAE’s 1,240 hotels recorded more than 53 million guest nights, with an occupancy rate of 80 percent, one of the highest globally."
He highlighted that these figures reflect the UAE’s leading position in the global tourism and travel landscape, underscoring the sector’s importance to the national economy's growth and competitiveness, supporting digital transformation, and increasing the number of SMEs operating in tourism-related fields in line with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.
Emphasising tourism as a key driver of economic growth, Bin Touq noted that it also contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The UAE continues to support global efforts to boost sustainable tourism development, improve resilience, and promote cooperation for integrating advanced technology into tourism activities, aiming to develop a highly efficient infrastructure that ensures a prosperous future for the sector.
He stated, "This meeting is an important step towards enhancing the exchange of expertise and cooperation among G20 countries to develop innovative tourism initiatives that ensure the sector's sustainable development and create more opportunities."
Bin Touq elaborated on various initiatives and policies implemented by the UAE to foster domestic tourism.
These efforts have played a significant role in establishing a distinguished tourism infrastructure in line with international best practices.
Additionally, the UAE has prioritised the development of premier and diverse tourism destinations, ensuring the provision of superior services.
The tourism sector significantly contributes to the UAE’s economic diversification efforts, aligning seamlessly with the 'UAE Tourism Strategy 2031', which aims to position the UAE as a leading global tourism destination and increase the sector's contribution to national GDP to Dh450 billion by the next decade.
Bin Touq expressed his appreciation to Brazil for organising the G20 Summit and acknowledged the Brazilian presidency's efforts in ensuring the event's success.
He also thanked G20 members and international tourism organisations attending the meeting for their efforts in promoting the sustainability of global tourism.
Bin Touq further highlighted the continuous growth in tourism exchanges between the UAE and Brazil.
The total number of Brazilian tourists visiting the UAE in 2023 exceeded 183,000, a rise of 46.4 percent compared to the 125,000 visitors in 2022.
Currently, there are 50 flights connecting the two countries each month, operated by UAE national carriers.
On the meeting's sidelines, Bin Touq held discussions with Celso Sabino de Oliveira, Minister of Tourism of Brazil; Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Indian Minister of Tourism; Patricia de Lille, South African Minister of Tourism; and Fuad Nagiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency in Azerbaijan.
During these meetings, Bin Touq outlined the promising prospects within the UAE's tourism sector, discussing new initiatives and the UAE’s efforts to nurture effective partnerships with global partners, driving both economic and social advancement and strengthening the UAE’s position in the international tourism landscape.
His meeting with Fuad Nagiyev explored Azerbaijan's efforts in the tourism sector, including its hosting of COP29.
They also discussed Azerbaijan's plans to organise a tourism ministers’ meeting during COP29 and the development of new plans to enhance tourism connections and leverage the opportunities in both markets.
The UAE and Brazil also discussed joint investment prospects and fostering cooperation between tourism enterprises in both markets, with an emphasis on strengthening bilateral efforts to develop new tourism and leisure initiatives and boost mutual tourism flows.
In a separate meeting, Bin Touq and the Indian minister discussed strengthening tourism relations between the two countries within the framework of their existing economic partnership.
They explored new avenues for cooperation to increase the number of flights connecting the two nations. Additionally, they reviewed progress on the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between them in the tourism field.
Bin Touq’s meeting with Patricia de Lille focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in diverse tourism activities and leveraging the tourism potential of both countries.
They stressed the importance of sharing expertise and implementing policies that promote sustainability in the tourism sector, fostering shared economic development.
