The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is confident about the resilience of its tourism sector despite regional political tensions, as the country boasts high safety and security protocols, according to Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy. Speaking at the Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai, Al Marri highlighted the continuous growth of the UAE’s tourism sector and its status as having the highest occupancy level in the world, reflecting the robustness of the sector. The minister emphasized the UAE’s open policy and strong safety measures in response to concerns about regional conflicts.
The UAE’s tourism sector contributed 12% to the country’s GDP last year and created around 800,000 jobs. Al Marri expressed his goal of increasing the sector’s contribution to 16% and noted positive trends such as a high number of visitors passing through UAE airports and the success of hospitality industry events. The minister also highlighted the diversity of experiences and competitive strategies offered by each emirate in the UAE, providing unique attractions for visitors.
Despite ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah, with recent military actions extending into Lebanon, hospitality industry leaders believe that the impact on the Gulf region will be minimal due to the localized nature of the conflict. The UAE remains focused on its tourism goals and strategies to attract visitors from diverse backgrounds. Domestic tourism has gained importance in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the UAE shifting its focus to utilize domestic tourism to offset the decline in international visitors.
Before the pandemic, the UAE had a tourism split of 70% international visitors and 30% domestic tourists. With the impact of Covid-19 on international travel, the country pivoted towards promoting domestic tourism. Initiatives like the Coolest Winter Campaign have been successful in encouraging locals to explore their own country and support the tourism industry. The UAE has adapted its approach to cater to changing travel patterns, including adjusting school holidays and offering incentives for domestic tourists.
The Future Hospitality Summit provided a platform for industry stakeholders to discuss the current challenges and opportunities facing the tourism sector. With a strong emphasis on safety and security, the UAE remains confident in its ability to attract visitors and drive economic growth through tourism. By leveraging domestic tourism, investing in infrastructure, and fostering innovation, the UAE aims to position itself as a leading global tourism destination. As the sector continues to evolve, collaboration between government and industry partners will be crucial in ensuring the sustainability and success of the UAE’s tourism industry.
