Economy ministers: Tourism is a major target within the package of 33 initiatives
“Economy” and “Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism” discuss aspects of cooperation to develop the national tourism sector
Abdullah bin Touq Al-Marri, Minister of Economy, Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises, and Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, discussed with Muhammad Khalifa Al-Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, ways of cooperation between Both sides are to stimulate the national tourism sector and implement initiatives that support tourism development efforts and strengthen the country's position as a safe and sustainable tourism destination.
This came during a hypothetical meeting between the two sides, where the ministers were briefed on the pioneering efforts and initiatives led by the department to establish Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a prominent and competitive tourist destination in the region and the world.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, said: “Tourism has always been a constant pillar in the economic agenda of the UAE Vision 2021 and the UAE Centennial 2071, as it provided support for the economic diversification policy and added important non-oil revenues to the gross domestic product and contributed to the development of the labor market. The state’s gross domestic product during the year 2019 is 11.9%. ”His Excellency added that, under the directives of the wise leadership, stimulating and supporting the tourism sector during the next phase is one of the main goals announced for the flexible package and the general plan to support economic sectors, which includes 33 initiatives that the Ministry of Economy is working on to implement. In cooperation with various partners. "
Bin Touq added, "Despite the unusual circumstances that the tourism sector has experienced in the world, the UAE has continued to work to strengthen and develop its tourism infrastructure, in addition to continuing efforts to develop a unified national strategy for the development of the sector." His Excellency praised the pioneering role played by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi in developing the tourism scene at the local and federal levels through new initiatives that have contributed to increasing tourism.
For his part, Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises, and Minister in charge of the tourism file in the country, said that the plans to develop the tourism sector in the UAE are continuing, and the national efforts made in this regard have been framed within the flexible package and the general plan of 33 initiatives. To support the economic sectors, as many of these initiatives aim to upgrade the tourism system in the country through several paths, such as encouraging domestic tourism, which accounted for 17% of the total national tourism during the year 2019, and work is being done to raise this percentage during the coming stages, in addition to promoting the state in the markets. Foreign tourism and the implementation of packages to support investors in the tourism sector, as well as the application of high-level standards to enhance the confidence of tourists, indicating that these efforts are carried out in large partnership with the concerned authorities, and praising the efforts of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi in this regard.
In turn, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said: “The UAE has strengthened its economic competitiveness as a global trade and tourism center, which has contributed to raising the country's position as a sustainable destination on the global tourism map, and the extensive network of trade relations enjoyed by the country has contributed. Today, we have a pioneering tourism system that provides diverse and distinct tourism patterns and destinations, world-class hotel facilities, and various environmental and heritage tourism areas, which has made the country a distinct center of attraction for visitors from different parts of the world. ”His Excellency added that the next phase will witness directed initiatives. To stimulate the tourism sector in cooperation with the local tourism authorities and departments and concerned authorities, within the framework of the flexible economic package consisting of 33 initiatives to support and develop the economy.
On the other hand, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Head of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi said: “Out of our belief that tourism is one of the most important and important sectors on which the economic growth continues, we have worked to provide facilities for the tourism sector to continue business with flexibility. During the meeting with His Excellency the ministers, we discussed many Among the frameworks for future cooperation, especially with the restoration of the capital Abu Dhabi, its tourism activity in a number of the most important and prominent destinations, attractions, and cultural and entertainment facilities, and the start of receiving tourists from various parts of the Emirates, after the capital proved its ability to host a major international event despite travel restrictions.
He added, "Recently we launched many initiatives in support of the tourism sector, including promotions, shopping offers, accommodation offers and many more. We have made sure that all hotel and tourism establishments obtain a" Go Safe "certificate, which guarantees all residents and visitors a safe trip, as all these initiatives have contributed. By increasing the attractiveness of tourists and visitors and enhancing their confidence in the capital as a safe and preferred destination internationally. "