UAE Launches Initiative to Promote Sustainable Tourism Practices
The UAE, known for its visionary leadership, has long recognized the importance of sustainability in the tourism sector. With its rich cultural heritage and diverse natural resources, the country is taking proactive measures to ensure the preservation of its assets for future generations while driving economic growth.
The initiative was announced during the G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting 2023, held in Goa, India, and attended by decision-makers from over 20 countries. The meeting focused on various topics related to tourism, with a special emphasis on sustainability and the role of digital transformation and smart applications in the tourism industry.
HE Bin Touq highlighted the significance of raising awareness about sustainable tourism and the need for legislation and policies that protect natural resources and cultural heritage. He stressed the importance of collaboration between regional and global stakeholders to transform tourist destinations into environmentally conscious and sustainable entities.
The UAE has been actively investing in its tourism infrastructure to meet global standards and cater to the diverse needs of visitors. The expansion of transportation networks, including land and air travel, has played a crucial role in attracting a larger number of tourists to the region. The country has also been hosting international events, which have proven to be catalysts for attracting visitors and enhancing the overall appeal of the UAE as a leading tourist destination.
The efforts have yielded positive results, as evidenced by the impressive growth in the tourism sector. In the first quarter of 2023, hotel establishments in the UAE generated revenues exceeding AED 12.2 billion, marking a 7% growth compared to the same period in 2022. The number of guests also witnessed a notable increase of 18% compared to 2022 and a solid growth of 3% compared to 2019. These figures reflect the UAE's success in positioning itself as a thriving tourism hub.
Tourism's contribution to the UAE's GDP reached 10% in 2022, totaling AED 166.7 billion. The World Travel and Tourism Council predicts further growth, with the tourism sector's contribution expected to rise to AED 180.6 billion by the end of 2023, reflecting an 8.3% increase compared to the previous year. The sector has also played a crucial role in generating job opportunities, accounting for 12% of the total labor market.
HE Bin Touq highlighted the dominance of the transport and storage sector in the UAE's GDP growth in 2022, attributing it to factors such as the surge in international flight passengers and increased revenues of national airlines. This growth has been the highest in recent years, underscoring the vital role of the tourism-related sector in driving economic expansion.
To further bolster its tourism industry, the UAE is implementing several leading projects, including the 'Palm Jebel Ali' project in Dubai, which will add 110 km to the coastline and feature 80 resorts accommodating approximately 35,000 families. The 'Sea World Abu Dhabi' project, covering an area of 180,000 sqm, aims to strengthen the entertainment sector by showcasing over 150 species of marine animals.
The UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 serves as a roadmap for creating a sustainable tourism sector and positioning the UAE as the world's premier tourist destination. The strategy aims to elevate the sector's contribution to the country's GDP to AED 450 billion, attract new investments worth
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