emirates7 - The UAE's tourism sector continues to achieve impressive growth in both international visitor numbers and hotel bookings, in line with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031. This strategy seeks to attract AED100 billion in tourism investments and increase the sector's GDP contribution to AED450 billion by 2031.

In 2023, the tourism industry accounted for 11.7 percent of the UAE's GDP, contributing AED220 billion. This figure is expected to rise to 12 percent, or AED236 billion, in 2024, according to data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

The WTTC also forecasts that by 2034, the UAE's travel and tourism sector will contribute approximately AED275.2 billion to the GDP, driven by the country's advanced infrastructure, including airports, hotels, and a range of exciting tourist attractions.

Dubai welcomed 10.62 million visitors in the first seven months of 2024, marking an 8 percent year-on-year (YoY) increase. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi's hotels hosted more than 2.87 million guests in the first half of 2024, generating AED3.6 billion, a 19.5 percent YoY growth.

These achievements underscore the effectiveness of the UAE’s sustainable tourism policies and its commitment to ongoing development, supported by robust infrastructure and a variety of tourist destinations, as outlined in the National Tourism Strategy 2031.