(SITTF) SUCCESSFULLY HELD ON NOVEMBER 22, 2023.
A summary of the key points:
- Event Inauguration
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of Sharjah Executive Council, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the forum.
- Organizer
The Sharjah International Travel & Tourism Forum was organized by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA).
- Theme
The forum’s discussions were centered around the theme ‘Sustainable Tourism: The Way to Improvement.’
- Guest of Honour
HE Shaiekh Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, was the guest of honour at the forum.
- Keynote Address:
HE Sheikh Al Marri highlighted the UAE’s achievements in shaping tourism infrastructure and policies in line with global sustainability practices. n He mentioned the 10 ‘Economic Principles of UAE,’ particularly the focus on boosting the nation’s transport and logistics infrastructure.
- Sustainability in Tourism
HE Sheikh Al Marri emphasized the importance of sustainability in the tourism sector for its growth, considering global environmental and social conditions. n The UAE has been actively developing national strategies and initiatives to enhance sustainability in tourism, travel, and aviation, including the use of low-carbon aviation fuel.
- UAE Tourism Strategy 2031
The Minister discussed the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which includes national targets such as attracting investments worth AED 100 billion, welcoming 40 million hotel guests, and increasing the tourism sector’s contribution to the national GDP to AED 450 billion by 2031.
- Sector Contributions and Growth
rowth n In 2022, the tourism and travel sector contributed over 60% to the GDP, reaching nearly AED 167 billion. n In 2023, hotels generated AED 26 billion in total revenues, reflecting a 24% growth compared to the same period last year. n UAE hotels welcomed 16 million guests in the first seven months of 2023, with a growth rate of 15%.
- Global Tourist Destination
The UAE maintained its status as one of the top 12 tourist destinations globally, chosen by more than 10 million tourists annually.