His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, recently took part in the World Tourism Forum 2025 in Prague, highlighting the United Arab Emirates' dedication to revolutionizing the tourism sector through the adoption of advanced technologies and the formation of strategic partnerships. This forum, a collaborative effort between UN Tourism and the Czech Republic's government, served as a platform for global leaders to discuss the future of tourism, with a special emphasis on how artificial intelligence and other technological advancements can drive sustainable growth in the industry.
During the forum, H.E. Bin Touq underscored the UAE's strategic focus on tourism as a key driver of economic growth. The nation is enhancing its appeal as a top global destination by investing in innovative solutions, embracing digital transformation, and fostering international collaborations. The UAE's National Tourism Strategy 2031 outlines ambitious objectives, including increasing the sector's contribution to the GDP to AED 450 billion, securing AED 100 billion in tourism investments, and attracting 40 million hotel guests, aiming to establish the UAE as the world's leading tourism destination.
The discussions at the forum delved into the transformative potential of AI, the development of smart tourism initiatives, sustainability efforts, and the integration of state-of-the-art technologies into tourism ecosystems. Participants, including experts from various fields, examined innovations aimed at enhancing societal responsibility, education, talent acquisition, and environmental sustainability. H.E. Bin Touq emphasized the importance of global cooperation and the cultivation of national talent in securing a thriving future for the tourism sector, positioning the UAE at the forefront of creating sustainable and technologically enriched tourism experiences.
