H.E. Bin Touq meets with tourism ministers of Spain and Croatia to enhance prospects for cooperation in the sector
TRAVEL AND TOURISM
RELATED COMPANIES
Orient Planet Un Tourism
Abu Dhabi – During a European tour that included Spain and Croatia, H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, met with H.E. Tonči Glavina, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Croatia; and H.E. Rosario Sánchez Grau, Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism, with the aim of enhancing cooperation in the sector. As part of the discussions, the ministers exchanged the latest experiences and practices in the field of sustainable tourism development.
Enhancing tourism cooperation with European markets
H.E. Bin Touq expressed the UAE's desire to enhance cooperation with European markets and foster fruitful partnerships in various tourism sub-sectors and activities, thereby supporting overall economic development and creating new opportunities for shared prosperity. H.E. pointed out that the tourism sector in the UAE has undergone significant development, characterized by the adoption of forward-looking national initiatives; the establishment of distinguished tourism infrastructure in line with global best practices; the development of leading destinations and tourism products, and an increase in tourist inflows.
H.E. Bin Touq said: 'The UAE continues to support initiatives and projects aimed at sustaining global tourism growth, fostering collaboration with the UN Tourism and its member states, and expanding cooperation in various tourism sub-sectors.'
Objectives of UAE Tourism Strategy
During discussions with the tourism ministers of Spain and Croatia, H.E. Bin Touq highlighted the importance of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 and its key role in supporting the sustainability and competitiveness of the country's tourism sector over the next decade. The strategy has established a set of national objectives, which include elevating the UAE's status to become a leading global destination, increasing the sector's contribution to the national GDP to AED 450 billion, attracting tourism investments worth AED 100 billion to the country's markets, and welcoming 40 million guests by the year 2031.
Strong growth in UAE tourism
The Minister of Economy reviewed key performance indicators of the UAE tourism sector, which include a total of AED 45 billion in hotel revenues in 2024 with a three per cent year-over-year growth. The hotel occupancy rate in the country reached 78 per cent, which is among the highest regionally and globally. Additionally, 16 new hotels were launched across the UAE in 2024, taking the total number of hotels to 1,251 by the end of last year.
Increasing tourism movement between the UAE and Spain
During his meeting with H.E. Rosario Sánchez Grau, Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism, H.E. Bin Touq reviewed latest developments in the global tourism sector, the mechanisms to enable sustainable growth, as well as enhancing cooperation in various tourism fields. The two sides explored the potential for establishing new partnerships to increase mutual tourism flows.
The number of Spanish tourists to the UAE reached 150,231 in 2024, representing an increase of more than 14 per cent compared to that of 2023. The number of flights between the UAE and Spain amount to approximately 48 weekly services, operated by airlines of both countries.
Cooperation between tourism companies in the UAE and Croatian Markets
H.E. Bin Touq and H.E. Tonči Glavina discussed enhancing cooperation between tourism companies and entities in the UAE and Croatian markets, in addition to enhancing joint efforts to create new tourism and leisure programs to promote mutual tourism flows. There are currently more than 42 monthly flights between the UAE and Croatia, operated by the airlines of both countries.
For further information, please contact:
Orient Planet Group (OPG)
Email: media@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
Oman: MHT hosts Chinese travel delegation to boost tourism
Muscat – As part of efforts to promote Oman's tourism potential in international markets, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) is hosting a delegation from leading Chinese travel companies on a familiarisation visit to the sultanate. The visit aims to highlight Oman's diverse attractions, from its natural landscapes and desert and mountain environments to its historical and cultural heritage. Through the initiative, MHT seeks to strengthen Oman's presence in the Chinese market, one of the world's largest sources of outbound tourists, and to support the growth of the sultanate's tourism sector. The programme includes field visits to prominent tourist sites and meetings with Omani tourism stakeholders to enhance cooperation, exchange expertise, and explore strategies for attracting more Chinese visitors. Earlier this year, in March, MHT launched its 2025 promotional campaign to consolidate Oman's position as a global tourist destination. As part of the campaign, the sultanate plans to open new tourism representative offices in China, Russia, Spain, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Latin America. Agreements will be signed with over 80 international tourism companies for joint promotional campaigns targeting Belgium, China, India, Italy, France, Germany, Russia, Britain, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the Nordic countries and Gulf states. The campaign will also feature advertising in public transport systems, major shopping centres and on road signs in high-footfall areas. More than 50 media campaigns are planned with international outlets, alongside television promotions to boost Oman's global visibility. To further showcase the sultanate's offerings, over 100 familiarisation trips will be organised for tourism companies and international media representatives. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
Oman Airports welcomes Fly Baghdad to Salalah airport
Muscat – Oman Airports has officially welcomed Fly Baghdad to Salalah Airport, marking a significant step in expanding travel options and enhancing air connectivity in the region. This development is expected to open new horizons for tourism and provide passengers with additional routes and convenient travel choices. The move underscores Oman's commitment to boosting tourism and improving international travel links, strengthening Salalah's position as a key gateway for regional and international travellers. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
ILO environmental, tourism infrastructure project inaugurated in Jordan
AMMAN — In partnership with the Ministry of Local Administration and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the municipality of the Jordanian town of Mahis, west of Amman, inaugurated a community infrastructure project designed to enhance the town's environmental and tourism potential while creating jobs for Jordanians and Syrian refugees. The initiative is funded by Germany through the KfW Development Bank under the ILO's Employment Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP), according to an ILO statement. The project is part of the sixth phase of the EIIP, which improves municipal infrastructure while generating decent jobs and providing training that helps workers transition into sustainable employment. In Mahis, the initiative created 103 short-term jobs for Jordanians and Syrians, including 38 per cent women and 5 per cent persons with disabilities, while upgrading the municipality's environmental and tourism facilities. Works included the creation of green spaces, rehabilitation of public areas, and development of tourism pathways, helping to make Mahis a more attractive destination for visitors and a better place to live for its residents. Minister of Local Administration Waleed Masri noted that the project is part of national municipal plans and aligns with the ministry's vision to support municipalities, provide green spaces, and promote sustainable social and economic development for local communities. 'In a world that often focuses on buildings and infrastructure, green projects are not a luxury - they are essential for the well-being of present and future generations,' he said. The minister added that thanks to the combined efforts of the ministry, the ILO, the generous funding from the German Government through KfW Development Bank, and the engagement of the local community, the initiative is protecting the environment, promoting tourism, and creating jobs that deliver both immediate and long-term benefits. ILO Senior Employment Policy Specialist and Jordan Country Coordinator Amal Mowafy stressed the importance of partnership. 'This project is a testament to the power of partnerships — between the ILO, the Ministry of Local Administration, Ministry of Labour ,Mahis Municipality, KfW, and the local community,' Mowafy said. 'With the Ministry of Labour's strong commitment to advancing decent work and supporting skills development, and by equipping beneficiaries with training that can help them secure long-term employment, we are investing in people's futures,' she added. 'We hope this strong partnership will pave the way for more initiatives with both the Ministry of Local Administration and the Ministry of Labour to create lasting impact across Jordan,' Mowafy said. Senior Portfolio Coordinator at KfW Development Bank Assia Dhabbi highlighted the project as a 'strong' example of what can be achieved through joint efforts. 'On behalf of the German Government, KfW Development Bank has proudly supported six phases of the Employment Intensive Investment Programme, providing over 70 million euros in grant funding since 2016, which has created more than 25,000 short term decent jobs.' Dhabbi added that EIIP is a cornerstone of the German Financial Cooperation and a 'true' partnership between KfW, ILO, and the Jordanian government. 'Together with the Ministry of Local Administration and Mahis Municipality, we have developed a vibrant environmental and tourism destination that will serve the local community for years to come. We have created jobs, provided income to the most vulnerable, developed infrastructure and built skills for more prosperous future,' she noted. Suaad Masri, Jordanian worker in the project said: 'Before this project, it was difficult to find work opportunities in my town.' 'Through this job, I was able not only to support my family, but also to learn new skills that I can use in the future. What makes me proud is that we are contributing to making Mahis greener and more welcoming for everyone," Masri added. Mohammad Ismail Hajim, Syrian worker in the project said: "This job gave me a chance to stand on my own feet again. Being able to earn an income with dignity allowed me to provide for my family and feel part of the community.' 'The training I received will also help me find better opportunities in the future," Hajim added. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
