Abu Dhabi has embarked on a transformative journey with the approval of the new Tourism Strategy 2030 under the guidance of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Spearheaded by the Department of Culture and Tourism, the blueprint sets forth a roadmap for expansion and strategic development in the emirate’s travel and tourism sector.
The tourism strategy seeks to boost visitor numbers from nearly 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million by 2030, with a 7 percent year-on-year growth. Moreover, it plans to significantly elevate the tourism and travel sector’s contribution to the UAE’s gross domestic product (GDP), raising it from approximately AED49 billion in 2023 to AED90 billion annually by 2030.
Furthermore, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030 aims to generate around 178,000 new jobs by 2030. Moreover, it seeks to almost double international overnight visitors from 3.8 million in 2023 to 7.2 million in 2030, and expand hotel room availability from 34,000 rooms in 2023 to 52,000 by 2030. It also seeks to further enhance the holiday home segment to diversify accommodation options.
Commenting on the launch, 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.”
26 key initiatives across 4 pillars
To achieve Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, the emirate identified 26 key initiatives across four strategic pillars. This includes:
- Offering and city activation: Aims to enhance the city’s offerings from cultural sites to hotels, events and restaurants.
- Promotion and marketing: Aims to more than double its promotion and marketing efforts, expanding its international reach from 11 to 26 markets. It will also establish strategic global partnerships with media outlets and well-known brands to expand its reach.
- Infrastructure and mobility: Aims to increase hotel room availability across various categories. It also aims to enhance roads, public transport, infrastructure, and flight seat capacity.
- Visa, licensing and regulations: Aims to enhance platforms and processes to reduce time frames for all applications and permits. It also aims to improve the ease of doing business and attract investment.
These four pillars serve as the foundation of Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive approach to realizing its ambitious tourism targets and fostering sustainable growth in the sector.
As for the initiatives, Abu Dhabi will unlock them through collaborative action between the Department of Culture and Tourism, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), and other key government and private stakeholders, who play a strategic role in bringing Abu Dhabi’s tourism vision to life.
Read: Abu Dhabi to create 178,000 new jobs in tourism sector
Abu Dhabi’s booming tourism sector
In 2023, Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector saw a remarkable surge, welcoming nearly 24 million visitors. Abu Dhabi also saw a 27 percent increase in hotel guests and a 54 percent increase in international guests. This bolstered the economy with around AED49 billion in contributions to the UAE’s GDP.
Arrivals from key international markets like India, Russia, the UK, China and Saudi Arabia played a pivotal role in supporting the sector in 2023. Besides, the array of over 150 events, pristine beaches, natural landscapes and cultural sites attracted more than 8.7 million visitors.
With the unveiling of Tourism Strategy 2030, Abu Dhabi reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development, cultural enrichment, and economic diversification. By fostering innovation, enhancing infrastructure, and embracing global best practices, the emirate sets a bold course for the future, poised to realize its vision of becoming a leading destination for travelers worldwide.
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