UAE Leads MENA in WEF’s 2024 Tourism Index, Eyes Continued Growth

UAE, 29 May, 2024 : Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, highlighted the continuous growth of the tourism sector at regional and international levels. He emphasized that these achievements are in line with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, aiming to establish the country as the world's premier tourist destination within the next decade.

Al Marri expressed confidence in the sector's growth in 2024, citing ongoing pioneering tourism projects and initiatives implemented by the UAE. He underlined the country's advanced infrastructure and exceptional tourism products and services, offering a unique experience to global visitors.

Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), noted the UAE's leadership in key tourism indicators, such as the provision of comprehensive travel and tourism data and air transport infrastructure. The UAE ranked first globally in travel and tourism data provision and air transport infrastructure.

The nation secured second place worldwide in infrastructure and services and third place in travel and tourism data comprehensiveness, air transport services efficiency, and travel and tourism policy and infrastructure.

In 2023, the UAE's tourism sector witnessed a remarkable 26% year-on-year growth, surpassing 2019 levels by 14% and contributing AED 220 billion to the country's GDP, equivalent to 11.70%. The sector's contribution to the national economy is projected to increase further in 2024, reaching AED 236 billion, or 12% of the GDP, according to a report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

Source : www.zawya.com