His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, emphasized the UAE's commitment to transforming tourism into a key economic driver through innovation and technology during the World Tourism Forum 2025 in Prague. The forum, organized by UN Tourism in collaboration with the Government of the Czech Republic, focused on exploring how artificial intelligence and advanced technologies can shape the future of sustainable tourism development globally.
H.E. Bin Touq detailed how the UAE has prioritized tourism as a strategic pillar of the national economy, investing heavily in digital solutions and infrastructure to enhance its position as a leading global destination. The country's approach includes integrating technology into tourism policies and developing smart, sustainable offerings that leverage cutting-edge tools. This strategy is underpinned by the UAE National Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to make the UAE the world's best tourism destination while significantly increasing the sector's economic impact.
The Minister highlighted that participation in forums like this provides valuable opportunities for international collaboration and knowledge exchange with global industry leaders. These partnerships are crucial for sharing best practices and driving innovation in tourism. The UAE's efforts include attracting substantial investments and welcoming millions of hotel guests, with targets set at raising the sector's GDP contribution to AED 450 billion and attracting AED 100 billion in tourism investments.
Discussions at the World Tourism Forum 2025 covered various aspects of technology's role in tourism, including big data utilization, environmental sustainability, and talent development. Experts and officials from multiple sectors participated in sessions that explored how innovation can address societal responsibilities and enhance educational opportunities within the industry. The UAE's active involvement in these discussions demonstrates its commitment to not only advancing its own tourism sector but also contributing to global tourism development through shared goals and collaborative initiatives.
