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His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has given the green light to the Emirate’s new Tourism Strategy 2030. Developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), this ambitious roadmap heralds a period of extensive growth and strategic advancement in the travel and tourism domain.
The primary aim of the Strategy is to escalate visitor numbers from approximately 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million by 2030 (including both overnight stays and same-day visits), with a targeted annual growth rate of 7%. Additionally, it endeavors to significantly augment the contribution of the tourism and travel sector to the UAE’s GDP, aiming to elevate it from around AED 49 billion in 2023 to AED 90 billion annually by 2030.
By 2030, the Strategy anticipates the creation of approximately 178,000 new employment opportunities as the entire tourism infrastructure undergoes expansion to meet escalating demands. It sets out to nearly double the count of international overnight visitors from 3.8 million in 2023 to approximately 7.2 million by 2030, Increase the number of hotel rooms from 34,000 in 2023 to 52,000 by 2030, and enhance the holiday home segment to offer more diverse accommodation options.
H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The Tourism Strategy 2030 marks a pivotal moment in Abu Dhabi’s transformative journey, representing a vital lever in our ongoing evolution. Delivered alongside our key partners, the Strategy underscores our steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable growth and strategic development in the travel and tourism sector. Through carefully crafted initiatives that will unlock economic opportunities, amplify our distinctive culture and enhance the emirate’s value proposition, we are laying the foundation for a vibrant and prosperous future that transcends generations.”
Promoting sustainable growth across four strategic pillars
In pursuit of the Strategy’s objectives, 26 pivotal initiatives have been identified spanning four strategic pillars: Offering and City Activation; Promotion & Marketing; Infrastructure & Mobility; and Visa, Licensing, and Regulations. These pillars constitute the cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s holistic approach towards achieving its ambitious tourism targets while fostering sustainable growth in the sector.
These initiatives will be realized through the collaborative efforts of DCT Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), and other influential government and private stakeholders, all of whom play a crucial role in materializing Abu Dhabi’s tourism vision.
The initial pillar, Offering and City Activation, aims to enhance the overall guest experience by introducing new cultural sites, theme parks, retail offerings, and hotel chains, thereby enriching the emirate’s year-round events calendar with concerts, festivals, and family-oriented activities. Additionally, the dining landscape will witness significant diversification, incorporating culinary schools and training programs to expand dining options.
DCT Abu Dhabi will amplify its Promotion and Marketing endeavors, doubling its international outreach from 11 to 26 markets while fostering synergy within Abu Dhabi’s tourism ecosystem. Strategic global partnerships with media outlets and renowned brands will be established to facilitate high-profile collaborations, crafting compelling, market-specific content across various platforms.
Under the Infrastructure and Mobility pillar, efforts will focus on increasing the availability of hotel rooms across diverse categories, including accessible and luxury accommodations, glamping, and farm stays. Through strategic partnerships, the emirate will enhance its roads, public transport, and infrastructure, facilitating seamless travel and bolstering visitor arrivals by expanding flight seat capacity with local and international airlines.
Finally, the visitor experience and efficiency of tourism business operations will be significantly improved through streamlined Visa, Licensing, and Regulation processes. Collaborating with relevant government agencies, enhanced platforms and processes will reduce application and permit timeframes, enhancing the ease of doing business and attracting investment opportunities.
Expanding on the accomplishments of 2023
Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector witnessed remarkable growth in 2023, welcoming nearly 24 million visitors. A notable surge of 27% in hotel guests and a 54% increase in international visitors significantly contributed approximately AED 49 billion to the UAE’s GDP.
Crucial international markets including India, Russia, the United Kingdom, China, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia played pivotal roles in driving visitor numbers in 2023. These markets, coupled with Abu Dhabi’s diverse offerings such as over 150 events, pristine beaches, natural landscapes, and cultural landmarks like Qasr Al Hosn, Qasr al Watan, and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, attracted over 8.7 million visitors. Moreover, attendance at museums, cultural festivals, and art exhibitions, including Louvre Abu Dhabi and the inaugural Manar Abu Dhabi public art exhibition, reached record highs, underscoring the emirate’s broad appeal.
The uptick in visitor numbers was further propelled by a 44% increase in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events. With 960,000 delegates attending 2,477 events and exploring Abu Dhabi’s attractions and dining scene, the food and beverage sector witnessed a significant 21% revenue growth. Prominent entertainment gatherings such as the MOTN Festival and the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, alongside cultural festivities like the Al Hosn Festival and the Liwa Festival, played substantial roles in solidifying Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a leading global destination for leisure and tourism.
The post The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi’s Sustainable-Tourism Drive: Unveiling Strategy 2030 for the Emirate’s Excellence and Success appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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