The World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) reveals a record year for the UAE’s travel and tourism industry, highlighting the sector’s GDP contribution, employment, tourist spending and more. We announced that we have achieved new peaks across key indicators.
The UAE’s travel and tourism sector is currently booming, far surpassing previous records, demonstrating the country’s commitment to attracting tourists from around the world to destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. are doing.
Last year, the sector grew by more than a quarter (26%) and contributed a record Dh220 billion to the UAE’s GDP, accounting for 11.7% of the total economy. This is almost 15% higher than the previous record set in 2019, underscoring the sector’s vital role in the country’s economic framework.
Jobs supported by travel and tourism increased by 41,000 to more than 809,000, representing one in nine jobs in the country.Jobs lost during the pandemic were fully recovered in 2022, but today’s announcement showed employment in the sector rose 11% from its 2019 high point.
Domestic tourist spending fully recovered in 2022, but continued to grow last year, reaching more than Dh55.5 billion, around 40% higher than in 2019.
International tourist spending will surge by around 40% in 2023 to reach more than Dh175 billion, 12% above 2019 levels, reflecting the UAE’s enduring appeal as a top global tourist destination .
WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson said: “The UAE’s travel and tourism sector has not only recovered, but has risen to new heights and established itself as a cornerstone of the country’s economic landscape.
“The impressive growth in both employment and tourist spending is testament to the UAE’s strategic vision and commitment to strengthening its travel and tourism industry. “Promoting Prosperity” highlights the importance of sustainable and inclusive strategies. ”
Speaking at the VFS Global iConnect conference in Abu Dhabi, Zubin Zakaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global, added: “The UAE has always been a major contributor to global travel and this market has contributed significantly to the post-pandemic travel recovery.
“The WTTC findings are very encouraging and, as a key stakeholder in the travel ecosystem, VFS Global is committed to supporting the ongoing travel recovery and ensuring seamless and safe cross-border movement. We will continue to work on it.”
What kind of year will this year be?
The World Tourism Organization predicts that the sector will continue to grow at a high pace in 2024, with GDP expected to exceed AED 236 billion. Employment will increase by more than 23,500 people to nearly 833,000. Spending by international visitors is predicted to increase by nearly 10% to reach AED 192 billion, and spending by domestic travelers is predicted to increase by 4.3% to reach almost AED 58 billion. It has been.
What will the next 10 years hold?
The World Tourism Organization predicts that the sector’s annual GDP contribution will grow to more than Dh275 billion by 2034, amounting to almost 11% of the UAE economy. It is also estimated that more than 928,000 people will be employed nationwide, with one in nine residents working in this sector.
beyond the middle east
The travel and tourism sector in the Middle East grew by more than 25% in 2023, reaching approximately USD 460 billion. The number of jobs reached about 7.75 million people, and international spending increased by 50% to reach $179.8 billion.Domestic travel spending increased by 16.5% to more than $205 billion
WTTC predicts that travel and tourism across the region will continue to grow throughout 2024, with a contribution to GDP of US$507 billion. Employment is projected to reach $8.3 million, international visitor spending is projected to reach $198 billion, and domestic visitor spending is projected to reach more than $224 billion.
UAE flight booking trends
International arrivals to Abu Dhabi and Dubai exceeded 2019 figures by more than 9% last year, according to ForwardKeys, the World Tourism Organization’s knowledge partner.
Flight bookings to Abu Dhabi for Q2 2024 also showed strong growth, up 59% year-on-year, with bookings to Dubai increasing by 13%.
To access this report, please visit WTTC’s Research Hub.
