"The Economy" and "Abu Dhabi Tourism" discuss aspects of cooperation to develop the national tourism sector
The Minister of Economy, Abdullah bin Touq Al-Marri, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, and Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi discussed with the Head of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, Muhammad Khalifa Al-Mubarak, ways of cooperation between the two sides to stimulate the tourism sector The National Authority and the implementation of 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 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, and its contribution to the country's GDP reached During the year 2019, a rate of 11.9%, ”adding 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 in cooperation with various partners .
He added that, despite the unusual circumstances that the tourism sector experienced in the world, the UAE continued to work to strengthen and develop its tourism structure, in addition to continuing efforts to formulate a unified national strategy for the development of the sector, praising the pioneering role played by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi to develop The tourism scene at the local and federal levels, through new initiatives that have contributed to the increase in tourism.
For his part, Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi 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 improve the tourism system in the country through Several paths, such as encouraging domestic tourism, which constituted 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 foreign tourism markets and implementing packages to support investors in the tourism sector, as well as applying high-level standards. To enhance the confidence of tourists, His Excellency indicated that these efforts are carried out in great partnership with the concerned authorities, and praised the efforts of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi in this regard.
In turn, Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi 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. The extensive network of trade relations enjoyed by the country has contributed to enhancing that position. Today, a pioneering tourism system that provides various 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 all over the world, ”adding that the next phase will witness initiatives directed to stimulate the tourism sector in cooperation with bodies and departments Local tourism and stakeholders, as part of the flexible economic package consisting of 33 initiatives to support and develop the economy.
On the other hand, Muhammad Khalifa Al-Mubarak said: “Out of our belief that tourism is one of the most important and important sectors on which economic growth is relied upon, 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 several frameworks for future cooperation, especially with The capital Abu Dhabi has restored its tourism activities in a number of the most important and prominent destinations, attractions, and cultural and recreational facilities, and began receiving tourists from various parts of the Emirates, after the capital proved its ability to host a major global event despite travel restrictions.
He added: "We recently 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 of these have contributed. Initiatives to increase attracting tourists and visitors and enhance their confidence in the capital as a safe and preferred destination internationally. "
It is noteworthy that the Honorable Council of Ministers headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved on August 3, 2020 the flexible package and the general plan consisting of 33 initiatives to support economic sectors until the end of 2021, which aims to create an economic environment. Flexible suitable for practicing activities in most vital sectors, providing new opportunities, expanding emerging sectors, employing technology, encouraging investment in new sectors that serve the country's future visions, and increasing economic growth rates.