United Arab Emirates joins global efforts to promote tourism
The United Arab Emirates highlighted its commitment to support global efforts to promote the tourism sector and ensure a safe travel experience, as well as international recommendations related to the response to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. The country made this statement while participating in a remote meeting of G20 Tourism Ministers, represented by Ahmed Belhoul al-Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The G20 tourism ministers met under the chairmanship of the G20 Saudi Arabia to address the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic; promote the recovery of the travel and tourism sector and harness its potential to drive faster economic recovery from the health crisis; maximise the sector's contribution to inclusive and sustainable development; and further develop the sector as a key and resilient industry, contributing to the global economy and generating quality jobs.
During the meeting, Al-Falasi stated that the unconventional conditions faced by the entire world due to the pandemic have created many changes, not only in the tourism sector, but in all the daily activities and behaviours of billions of people around the world. "In the United Arab Emirates, we believe that there is an opportunity with every challenge, and being exposed to shocks makes us stronger in the face of crises. Therefore, we are confident that the tourism sector, despite being the most affected by the global pandemic, will recover and be strengthened to face the challenges of the future".
"Tourism is one of the key drivers of comprehensive social development, as it helps to diversify and protect natural and cultural resources," the minister added. He noted that the tourism and travel sector accounted for almost 10.3 per cent of global GDP and 330 million direct and indirect jobs in 2019. Al-Falasi then stressed the importance of developing a more sustainable environment for the tourism sector, considering the opportunities to resume activities in the sector, as well as adhering to relevant preventive and health measures.
"Policies that support and motivate tourism, travel companies and airlines are still necessary to ensure the continuity of their business," he stressed. He also presented the UAE's experience in addressing the challenges imposed on the sector by the global crisis, as the country was one of the first in the region to provide incentives and the fastest to adapt to this crisis, due to its advanced digital technology and technological infrastructure. He therefore insisted that "providing a safe, seamless and sustainable travel experience is key to recovery, as is the role of advanced technologies and digital transformation".
The UAE continues to implement initiatives aimed at improving tourism innovation and enabling SMEs and innovation centres to find solutions to the challenges resulting from the pandemic. At the end of the meeting, the ministers issued a joint communiqué in which they stated that ''the tourism sector will suffer an anticipated 60-80 percent decline in international tourism by 2020.
The ministers confirmed that they would continue to promote both public and private sector efforts to facilitate travel and support initiatives such as those that streamline the travel and visa process. "As well as those that improve security, recognising the sovereign right of States to control the entry of foreigners", the ministers added in the communiqué.