Latest news with #TourismStrategy2031
Al Etihad
26-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE tourism set for landmark year with projected Dh267.5b GDP contribution
27 May 2025 00:30 KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)The UAE is poised to achieve a landmark year in tourism, with the sector projected to contribute Dh267.5 billion to the national economy in 2025, representing nearly 13% of GDP, according to new data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).This milestone comes alongside record-breaking international visitor spend, which is forecast to reach Dh228.5 billion, 37% above pre-pandemic levels. Domestic tourism is also surging, with Dh60 billion in spending expected this year - 47% higher than in 2019, underscoring the strength of the local travel market."The UAE continues to lead the way in global travel and tourism. From cutting-edge smart cities to exceptional hospitality and seamless visa systems, the country is a model of how strategic vision drives economic growth," Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO, said in a statement."With initiatives like the Tourism Strategy 2031 and the National Tourism Charter, the UAE is building a future-ready sector rooted in sustainability and innovation. With strong leadership and public-private alignment, 2025 is set to mark yet another chapter in the UAE's remarkable tourism success story." Abu Dhabi Sees Robust Growth in Q1Complementing the national outlook, Abu Dhabi's tourism sector is tracking exceptional growth. According to the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), the emirate welcomed 1.4 million overnight visitors in Q1 2025, building momentum toward its target of Dh62 billion in tourism GDP contribution this year, a 13% increase over sector performance has mirrored this visitor growth. The first quarter of the year saw Dh2.3 billion in hotel revenues in the capital, marking an 18% year-on-year increase, while revenue per available room jumped 25% to Dh484. Occupancy rates averaged 79%, including during the holy month of Ramadan."Our strategic approach to elevating Abu Dhabi as a cultural and tourism destination is delivering tangible results," said Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi."Sustained investment into data-led destination marketing, diversified programming, a culture-first ethos, and ever-improving visitor experience touchpoints have driven robust growth in Q1 2025, building on a strong 2024."DCT highlighted the importance of cultural identity towards Abu Dhabi's tourism strategy. This has largely centred around the Saadiyat Cultural District, already home to the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi and the newly opened teamLab Phenomena, which will soon be joined by the Zayed National Museum, and the Guggenheim Abu to WTTC forecasts, the UAE's travel and tourism sector is expected to continue its upward trajectory over the next decade, contributing nearly Dh287.8 billion to the economy by 2035. Employment in the sector is also projected to exceed 1 million jobs, further embedding tourism into the country's economic fabric. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
TAG 91.1
21-05-2025
- Business
- TAG 91.1
UAE, Spain Foreign Ministers hold talks to enhance bilateral ties
During a call, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and José Manuel Albares, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain, discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations between the two nations. The ministers also reviewed a number of regional and international issues of common concern, national news agency Wam reported. Both countries share strong economic and cultural relations, with tourism sector benefitting the most. In 2024, Spain welcomed over 200,000 visitors from the UAE. The number of flights between the UAE and Spain totalled to approximately 48 weekly services, operated by airlines of both countries. In May this year, UAE Minister of Economy, Abdulla Bin Touq Al, had explored ways to strengthen partnership in the tourism sector during talks with Rosario Sánchez Grau, Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism. At the time, 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 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," he had added. During the meeting, the ministers had also explored the potential of establishing new partnerships to increase mutual tourism flows.
Dubai Eye
21-05-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE, Spain Foreign Ministers hold talks to enhance bilateral ties
During a call, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and José Manuel Albares, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain, discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations between the two nations. The ministers also reviewed a number of regional and international issues of common concern, national news agency Wam reported. Both countries share strong economic and cultural relations, with tourism sector benefitting the most. In 2024, Spain welcomed over 200,000 visitors from the UAE. The number of flights between the UAE and Spain totalled to approximately 48 weekly services, operated by airlines of both countries. In May this year, UAE Minister of Economy, Abdulla Bin Touq Al, had explored ways to strengthen partnership in the tourism sector during talks with Rosario Sánchez Grau, Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism. At the time, 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 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," he had added. During the meeting, the ministers had also explored the potential of establishing new partnerships to increase mutual tourism flows.
Hospitality Net
20-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
International Traveller Spend in the UAE to Reach a Record AED 228BN This Year, Reveals WTTC
Abu Dhabi, UAE - Latest data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed that international visitor spend in the United Arab Emirates is set to reach a record AED 228.5BN in 2025, 37% above the previous peak of 2019. The global tourism body's annual Economic Impact Research (EIR) shows that Travel & Tourism in the UAE is set for another record year in 2025, with the sector forecast to contribute AED 267.5BN to the national economy, accounting for almost 13% of GDP. According to the research, by the end of the year, Travel & Tourism will also support more than 925,000 jobs. Domestic visitor spend is also projected to reach a record high at AED 60BN - 47% above 2019, highlighting the continued strength of the local travel market. These milestones reflect the UAE's leadership in driving innovation, sustainability, and seamless connectivity across its cities and attractions, powered by initiatives such as smart city development, world-class infrastructure, and a laser focus on visitor experience. The UAE continues to lead the way in global Travel & Tourism. From cutting-edge smart cities to exceptional hospitality and seamless visa systems, the country is a model of how strategic vision drives economic growth. With initiatives like the Tourism Strategy 2031 and the National Tourism Charter, the UAE is building a future-ready sector rooted in sustainability and innovation. With strong leadership and public-private alignment, 2025 is set to mark yet another chapter in the UAE's remarkable tourism success story. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO A look back at 2024 According to the data, in 2024 the sector contributed AED 257.3BN to the UAE economy and supported 898,600 jobs, making up nearly one in eight jobs in the country. Spending from international travellers reach AED 217.3BN, while domestic visitor spend injected AED 57.6BN into the national economy. What Does the Next Decade Look Like? Looking ahead to the next 10 years, WTTC forecasts the sector will contribute nearly AED 287.8BN to the economy by 2035, representing 10.4% of the national GDP. The workforce is expected to exceed 1MN jobs, underscoring the sector's central role in economic diversification and national growth. Across the Middle East The Middle Eastern Travel & Tourism sector continues to grow at pace. In 2024, the region contributed $341.9BN to GDP and supported 7.3MN jobs. WTTC is forecasting that Travel & Tourism across the region will continue to grow throughout 2025 with the GDP contribution set to reach $367.3BN. Jobs are forecast to reach 7.7MN. Jobs supported by the sector rose to 898,600, making up nearly one in eight jobs in the UAE. For more information and to access the full factsheet, including WTTC's latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), please visit WTTC's Research Hub. About WTTC The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global travel & tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world's leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to raising the awareness of governments and the public of the economic and social significance of the travel & tourism sector. View source
Zawya
24-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
MENALAC CEO Conclave 2025: Shaping the future of leisure & attractions in a rapidly changing world
According to industry projections, the sector is expected to attract approximately 250 million visitors, contributing $14 billion to the regional economy by 2028. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia targets 100 million visitors annually by 2030. While the UAE aims to attract 40 million hotel guests annually under its Tourism Strategy 2031, allocating $27 billion to diversify its leisure offerings. For perspective, Abu Dhabi's Miral has announced AED13 billion worth investments in its Yas Island projects. Saudi Arabia's SEVEN is investing $13 billion to develop 21 entertainment destinations across the Kingdom. Qatar is expanding its attractions with projects including the Simaisma development, Land of Legends theme park set to open by 2028 and the recently opened Meryal water park. These initiatives highlight the region's commitment to diversifying its entertainment landscape to boost tourism. Dubai, UAE: Amid such buoyancy, the Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council (MENALAC) is all set to host the eighth annual Leisure, Entertainment and Attractions (LEA) Conference on April 7, 2025, at Taj Dubai, UAE. The centrepiece of the LEA Conference is the MENALAC CEO Conclave 2025, which is an exclusive gathering of industry leaders, visionaries and decision-makers in the MENA leisure, entertainment and attractions ecosystem. Under the theme 'Innovate, Engage, Transform: Leading Leisure and Attractions Forward by Crafting Lasting, Transformative Experiences for a Changing World,' this year the MENALAC CEO Conclave will explore the future of leisure and attractions industry through a robust lineup of keynote speeches, thought-provoking panel discussions and expert-led presentations across several key industry segments. Topics include global economic shifts and its impact on the industry, emerging entertainment trends amid tech revolution, guest experience monetisation, smart ticketing and revenue optimisation. Industry resilience related discussions will address inflation, supply chain challenges and the art of balancing marketing with operations. Creative strategy sessions will cover topics including cultural design, IP (intellectual property) storytelling, how resorts are becoming experiential hubs and participatory play innovations. While workforce development related sessions will focus on key issues including staffing challenges, mentorship and leadership growth. Commenting on the upcoming conference, MENALAC Board Member Hind Galadari who is also Chairing the MENALAC Education Committee said, 'The MENALAC CEO Conclave is a vital platform that unites industry leaders to drive the future of leisure and attractions in the MENA region. This annual gathering fosters knowledge sharing by tackling critical topics such as innovation, inclusion and sustainability, paving the way for a more diverse, skilled and gender-balanced workforce. By addressing emerging trends and operational challenges, we are shaping an industry that not only entertains but also empowers and inspires future generations.' With the MENA leisure and entertainment industry estimated to witness robust growth despite existing roadblocks, the Conclave, like every year, will serve as a strategic platform to discuss emerging trends, share actionable insights and shape the future of leisure and attractions market in the region. About MENALAC The Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council (MENALAC) is the official trade association for the leisure and attractions industry in the MENA region. Representing over 500 attractions, theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centres and support companies catering for the industry, MENALAC promotes industry best practices, professional development and business excellence. For media inquiries or to register for the MENALAC CEO Conclave 2025, please visit or contact info@
