The Minister of Economy and Tourism discusses with the Secretary-General of the United Nations Tourism Organization the strengthening of the partnership
Madrid, January 26 / WAM / His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, confirmed that the UAE is keen to strengthen cooperation and establish various partnerships with the United Nations Tourism Organization and exchange best experiences and practices in various tourism sectors and activities, in line with the directives of the wise leadership to consolidate the UAE’s position as a leading global tourist destination and support sustainable tourism development efforts regionally and internationally.
This came during a bilateral meeting held by His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri with Her Excellency Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General of the United Nations Tourism Organization, on the sidelines of His Excellency’s participation in the international tourism exhibition “FITUR Madrid 2026” in the Spanish capital.
He pointed out that the meeting represents a new step to enhance cooperation between the UAE and the United Nations Tourism Organization, especially in the areas of smart and sustainable tourism solutions, development and promotion of new tourist destinations, and tourism education and vocational training, which contributes to enhancing the pivotal role of the UAE within the framework of international organizations, as well as raising the competitiveness of the UAE tourism sector, and supporting sustainable development goals, and in a way that reflects the commitment of both sides to developing an advanced, innovative and sustainable tourism sector at the global level.
His Excellency reviewed the UAE’s vision to develop its tourism sector, as well as building a more integrated tourism system with the world. His Excellency also touched on the new initiatives and policies adopted by the UAE at the level of the government and private sectors to enhance the competitiveness of this vital sector and make it more sustainable regionally and internationally, in line with the objectives of the “National Tourism Strategy 2031.”
Her Excellency Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General of the United Nations Tourism Organization, said: “As an Emirati citizen, I am proud of the advanced global position that the UAE has established as an influential global center in tourism and the economy, as it has provided a pioneering and unique experience that confirms that thoughtful ambition, strategic partnerships, and effective international cooperation are essential pillars for building sustainable value that extends beyond the present to the future.”
She added: “Following my discussions with His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, during the Fitur exhibition, the United Nations Tourism Organization looks forward to strengthening cooperation and partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in the United Arab Emirates. The organization will also work to enhance communication with its partners at the level of the government and private sectors, to exchange the best practices and experiences that the UAE has adopted to develop its tourist destinations, enhance its attractiveness to talents, and create a stimulating environment for tourism innovation, in line with its national vision of achieving the goals of UAE Tourism Strategy 2031.
Her Excellency stressed that the UAE’s support for the organization’s efforts represents an important strategic step that contributes to the implementation of practical programs that make a tangible impact on the development of tourist destinations and local communities, in a way that enhances sustainable tourism development, and reflects the UAE’s pivotal role in supporting international cooperation to build a competitive and sustainable tourism sector at the regional and global levels.
The meeting discussed mechanisms for developing partnership paths and pushing them towards broader horizons in the fields of tourism and hospitality, through the exchange of experiences and best practices, which contributes to providing unique and sustainable tourism experiences, as well as a number of future projects with the United Nations Tourism Organization, especially in the areas of education, vocational training, and the development of sustainable tourism destinations and family tourism destinations.
It is noteworthy that the Ministry of Economy and Tourism signed a cooperation agreement with the United Nations Tourism Organization in June 2024, to develop the digital services provided by the organization during official meetings, as the memorandum aims to enhance the organization’s digital transformation, increase the efficiency and management of the organization’s meetings and meetings, and provide more advanced services such as electronic voting and digital registration in the organization’s activities and events.
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