Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary-General Elect of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) for the 2026–2029 term, revealed that the global tourism and travel sector contributed $10.9 trillion to the world’s GDP in 2024, accounting for 10% of the global economy.
In statements to the
Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the UAE-Africa Tourism
Investment Summit 2025, which began in Dubai, Al Nowais said that this
contribution is expected to continue rising to US$11.7 trillion in 2025,
marking an increase of 6.7% over 2024 and 13% higher than 2019 levels.
Citing a report from
the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), she noted that the sector grew
by 8.5% in 2024 compared with 2023, and by 6% compared with 2019.
Al Nowais stressed
that these figures reaffirm tourism’s role as a key driver of sustainable
economic growth, highlighting it as one of the most dynamic sectors in
attracting both domestic and foreign investment.
She underlined that
the strength of the sector lies in its ability to deliver direct economic and
social benefits to destinations and host communities, while also playing a
vital role in job creation, supporting local businesses, increasing revenues
for both the public and private sectors, and advancing the economies of
developing and developed countries alike.
In a related context,
Al Nowais pointed out that the tourism industry is currently undergoing a
pivotal phase amid unprecedented global challenges, notably climate change,
rapid technological advancement, and geopolitical shifts.
She emphasised that
this reality calls for agile, forward-looking leadership capable of fostering
innovative and collaborative solutions aimed at redefining the future of
sustainable and responsible tourism.
Concluding her
statments, Al Nowais praised the UAE’s model, affirming that the country offers
a world-leading example in developing an integrated and sustainable tourism
ecosystem.
She commended the UAE’s ambitious strategies and pioneering initiatives that have cemented its global standing as a destination distinguished by innovation and sustainability.