Hospitality Advisory Committee discusses new initiatives to enhance competitiveness of the UAE's hospitality sector

Meeting explores ways to strengthen collaboration with private sector to achieve the goals outlined in the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031

The Hospitality Advisory Committee, an affiliate with the Emirates Tourism Council, held a meeting today, chaired by H.E Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Head of the Council. With the participation of 16 representatives and executives from various national and global hospitality establishments, the Committee meeting discussed several initiatives aimed at boosting the competitiveness of the hospitality sector across the seven emirates and their role in supporting the goals outlined in the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031. The meeting underscored the significance of creating employment opportunities for youth in this vital sector.

H.E. Bin Touq confirmed that the UAE, under the guidance of its wise leadership, places great importance on the constant development of the hospitality sector in line with international best practices. The sector is widely recognised as one of the most thriving and dynamic sectors in the UAE, offering a wide range of top-notch services that cater to the needs of tourists and visitors across all seven emirates.

H.E. said, "The hospitality sector has been witnessing significant growth since the beginning of this year, driven by the influx of tourists and a rising number of travellers within the country. In the UAE, the hotel occupancy rates hit 80 per cent, with a total of 15.3 million guests across the seven emirates in the first half of 2024. This represents a 10.5 per cent growth compared to the corresponding period in 2023, underscoring the sector's crucial role in boosting the national economy and enhancing its competitiveness."

H.E. added, "The latest Committee meeting discussed a range of topics aimed at bolstering the UAE's efforts to improve the leadership and flexibility of our hospitality sector. These included maximising the benefits offered by the ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ campaign, capitalizing on the declaration of Al Ain as the Capital of Gulf Tourism for the year 2025 and underscoring the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to achieve the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 goals. The strategy aims to position UAE as the premier global tourism destination by the next decade."

The meeting discussed several new initiatives that are planned to be implemented in the upcoming phase. These initiatives are designed to enhance summer job opportunities for the youth in diverse hospitality and hotel-related activities. Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the significance of the ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ campaign in promoting the expansion of the hospitality sector and boosting national tourism revenues. It also aims to draw a larger number of international companies to the UAE's markets.

The Hospitality Advisory Committee, established by the Emirates Tourism Council, offers guidance and recommendations to the Head of the UAE Tourism Council on the hospitality sector’s development. In addition to providing information and insights into the latest developments in the UAE's hospitality sector, the Committee proposes fresh initiatives and ideas from the private sector aimed at propelling the sector’s growth. Additionally, it offers feedback and perspectives on government tourism policies and initiatives.