Tourism and growth under spotlight

Visitors to the MENA region will total 195 million by 2030, growing at a rate higher than the world average, according to figures by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). The rapid development of the sector will form part of the discussion at the UNWTO & ATM Ministerial Forum at the Arabian Travel Market, which is being held from April 24-27 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The Forum returns to the show repertoire this year, with a particular focus on the contribution of tourism to sustainable economic growth and diversification in the MENA region.

“Tourism has become a key economic activity across the region, particularly in the GCC countries, where it is establishing itself as a pillar and key driver of the modern ‘post–oil’ economies of those countries,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

“In addition to generating foreign exchange earnings and creating jobs, tourism promotes trade and investment and significantly contributes to the development of other sectors of the economy — such as construction, manufacture, retail and financial services — and it also contributes significantly to the socio-economic integration of countries of the MENA region,” he added.

Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, ATM, said: “Future job creation and entrepreneurship in the regional industry will be a priority for the Forum. The MENAOECD Investment Programme estimates that, in order to maintain current employment levels, between 25 million and 50 million new jobs will be required over the next decade, requiring an average annual growth rate of 5.5 per cent.”

Taking place on April 24 from 3.30 PM, at the Al Multaqua Ballroom, the Forum will be held under the patronage of H.E. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy of the United Arab Emirates. This will follow the 42nd meeting of the UNWTO Commission for the Middle East.