Hotel revenues in the UAE totaled AED 28 billion in the first seven months of 2024 with five per cent growth

Emirates Tourism Council discusses implementation of new initiatives and projects and their role in achieving national tourism strategy goals

H.E. Bin Touq: The sector’s outstanding performance reflects the UAE's growing appeal to tourists from around the world

  The Emirates Tourism Council, chaired by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Council, held its fourth meeting for the year 2024. It was attended by directors and other representatives of local tourism authorities in the country. The meeting discussed new tourism projects and initiatives that will be implemented in the near future, as well as their role in the achievement of the national tourism strategy goals. Besides, the meeting reviewed the recommendations from the previous meeting, including the granting of new facilities related to the issuance of tourist visa upon arrival in the country, as well as preparations for the launch of this year’s edition of the ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ campaign.

H.E. Bin Touq confirmed that the tourism sector continues its exceptional growth thanks to concerted national efforts. It is one of the key pillars of the UAE’s new economic model and this vital sector’s continued growth contributes to consolidating the UAE's position on various global tourism competitiveness indicators.

The latest Council meeting reviewed the national tourism sector’s recent performance, including the growth in the revenues of hotel establishments in the country. It exceeded AED 28 billion during the period from January to July 2024, reflecting a five percent growth. The total number of guests at hotel establishments in the seven emirates exceeded 17.6 million during the first seven months of 2024, reflecting a10 per cent growth.

The UAE's hotel occupancy rates during this period stood at 79 per cent, positioning it among the highest both regionally and globally. Additionally, the total number of hotel guest nights exceeded 60 million, reflecting a growth rate of nine per cent. Furthermore, the total number of hotel rooms in the UAE reached approximately 214,300 by the end of July 2024.

H.E. explained that these figures reflect the adaptability and competitiveness of the UAE's tourism sector, reinforcing its attractiveness to tourists from around the world. They also align with the vision to achieve the goals outlined in the 'UAE National Tourism Strategy 2031,' which aims to boost the tourism sector's contribution to AED 450 billion by the next decade. H.E. highlighted the ongoing national efforts to launch initiatives and projects that foster the sector’s growth, while also providing the necessary resources and enablers for its sustainability and prosperity. These initiatives enhance the economic competitiveness of the UAE in line with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.

The discussion on new initiatives and tourism projects covered the country’s Grand Tourist Routes project, in collaboration with relevant tourism authorities, airlines, and the private sector. The main goal is to diversify tourism, encourage longer visitor stays, and create additional job opportunities in the sector.

Moreover, the Council reviewed the preparations to launch the 2024 edition of the 'World's Coolest Winter’ campaign, scheduled to be announced soon. It examined the recommendations and new ideas related to the execution of the campaign, which aims to highlight the unique tourism identity of the UAE and the diversity of tourism activities in the country. The campaign aims to emphasise tourism experiences and entertainment activities across all seven emirates, along with their adventure tourism offerings. It will engage target audiences through various media campaigns and social media platforms.

In addition, the meeting explored the potential for creating sustainable policies for the UAE's tourism sector in line with global best practices and in collaboration with an international organisation. The aim is to bolster the tourism infrastructure and to boost ecotourism, which is expected to grow substantially in the near future. It also includes the preservation of the cultural and historical sites across the seven emirates.