The UAE participated in the meeting of the 12th session of the Conference of Tourism Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries, which was held in the city of Khiva in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The meeting witnessed the presence of a number of tourism ministers and senior officials in the tourism sector from member states of the organization, as well as representatives of a group of regional and international organizations working in the tourism and cultural fields.
Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, stressed that the UAE, thanks to the directives of the wise leadership, is committed to supporting the objectives of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in promoting tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding between member states, exchanging experiences, and working to establish new and continuing partnerships. In various tourism sectors and activities, which are one of the pillars of the country’s new economic model in light of the “We are the Emirates 2031” vision.
He added in his speech during the meeting yesterday: “The tourism sector in the UAE continues to achieve record results and indicators, which have enhanced its vital role in the growth of the national economy after it grew by 26% in the year 2023 compared to 2022, exceeding the levels of 2019 by 14%, to reach Its contribution to the state’s gross domestic product is about 220 billion dirhams, which is equivalent to 11.7% of the state’s gross domestic product, and its contribution to the national economy is expected to rise in the year 2024 to reach 236 billion dirhams, which is equivalent to 12% of the state’s gross domestic product, according to A report issued by the World Travel and Tourism Council.
He explained that the UAE ranked first regionally and 18th globally in the Travel and Tourism Development Index for 2024 issued by the World Economic Forum, achieving an advance of 7 places compared to 25th place globally in 2019.
He pointed out that these results and achievements of the tourism sector come in light of the forward-looking vision of the wise leadership to promote sustainable tourism development, and continued cooperation with partners at the level of the government and private sectors locally, regionally and globally, in a way that supports achieving the goals of the “National Tourism Strategy 2031”, which aims to raise the country’s position as the best. A tourism identity around the world, consolidating its position as a leading tourist destination, raising the tourism sector’s contribution to the country’s gross domestic product to 450 billion dirhams, and attracting 40 million guests in hotel facilities by the next decade.
#UAE #participates #Islamic #Cooperation #Tourism #Ministers #conference #Uzbekistan
