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ABU DHABI, September 26, 2021 (WAM) – The United Arab Emirates will celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27, which will be held this year under the theme “Tourism for Inclusive Growth” as the country remains a comprehensive and inspiring model to deal with the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and has become one of the fastest-recovering countries from the crisis.
The UAE is expecting a promising tourist season like Expo 2020 Dubai, which is one of the biggest and most significant events in the world, transforming the country for six months into a leading global destination that will attract million visitors from over 190 countries.
The UAE has gradually resumed its regular activities in the tourism sector and has started welcoming tourists from all over the world. He also announced that fully vaccinated tourists will be allowed to enter the country.
The high occupancy rate of tourist establishments underlines the recovery of the country’s tourism sector and the significant confidence in its procedures, aimed at ensuring the highest levels of health and safety for tourists.
Industry statistics showed a significant increase in total hotel revenues, as well as their occupancy rates, reaching AED11.3 billion and 62% occupancy in the first half of 2021, from $ 8.6 billion. of AED and 53.6% in the first half. from 2020.
The total number of hotel guests in the first half of 2021 stood at 8.3 million nationwide, an increase of 15% over the same period a year earlier, while hotel guests premises in the first half of 2021 were 2.3 million, compared to 1.3 million in the same period of 2020.
The UAE tourism sector is a key revenue source for its diversification policy, contributing over AED 161 billion to GDP, which is expected to reach AED 234.2 billion in 2027. Domestic tourism has contributed AED 41 billion to the national economy last year with expectations that it will continue to rise.
The UAE recently adopted several decisions and procedures aimed at modernizing the tourism and travel sector and accelerating its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, including the launch of long-term, multiple-entry visas.
The UAE has also launched a joint action plan between the Ministry of Economy and local tourism services and authorities, aimed at increasing the number of international tourists and opening up new tourism markets by launching extensive promotional campaigns making the promotion of promising destinations.
Coinciding with the countdown to Expo 2020 Dubai, hotel bookings across the country have seen an increase in demand, with many hotels located near the event having a 100% occupancy rate.
For the first time, the UAE has recently secured the support of member states of the World Tourism Organization Regional Committee to become part of its Executive Council.
The impact of COVID-19 on tourism will cost the global economy $ 4 trillion. Developing countries will be among the most affected, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge social and economic impact. Both developed and developing economies have been affected. And marginalized and most vulnerable groups have been hit hardest. The revival of tourism will help revive recovery and growth. It is essential that the benefits this will bring are widely and fairly appreciated.
Tourism is a recognized pillar of most – if not all – of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular Goals 1 (no poverty), 5 (gender equality), 8 (decent work and economic growth) and 10 (reduce inequalities).
On this World Tourism Day, the COVID-19 pandemic represents an opportunity to rethink the future of the tourism sector. Tourism has the unique ability to ensure that no one is left behind, as recognized by the second principle of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs.
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