The United Arab Emirates announced a new strategy that aims to develop an integrated tourism system to organize domestic tourism.
The strategy is part of the country’s plans to establish its position as a tourist attraction hub.
“Promoting the UAE as a single tourist destination with diverse attractions and experiences boosts the country’s tourism sector as an integral part of the national economy,” said UAE Vice President, Premier and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during the launch of the first 45-day federal domestic tourism campaign.
The “World’s Coolest Winter” aims to invite the public to explore the hidden gems of the seven emirates. The campaign is overseen by the Ministry of Economy in collaboration with local tourism entities and supported by the UAE Government Media Office.
It seeks to highlight the major landmarks and attractions that distinguish every emirate and contribute to promoting the UAE as a single destination.
During a special event in al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, Sheikh Mohammed reviewed the goals and plans of the new domestic tourism strategy and identity.
“The UAE strategy for domestic tourism marks the beginning of unifying our efforts and coordinating our capabilities towards harnessing all of our tourism resources in the best possible mean,” Sheikh Mohammed stressed.
“Today, we are launching the first of many campaigns to develop this vital sector of our economy.”
“We launched a unified tourism identity to promote the UAE as a single tourist hub that shares the same national economy and provides equal opportunities for the country’s youth,” he explained.
Domestic tourism spending in the UAE stands at Dh41 billion, Sheikh Mohammed noted, stressing that with a solid federal collaboration and contributions of the domestic market, the figure can be doubled and new opportunities can be created for the small business industries across the country.
“Working as one team in the tourism sector will bring long-term benefits to every part of the UAE and boost our status globally as a single destination that offers rich and diverse experiences.”
Each of the seven emirates features rich tourist experiences, massive resources and cultural, archaeological and architectural treasures, he added, pointing out that the UAE aims to unify efforts to maximize returns.
He invited the private sector to take this campaign as an opportunity to bolster partnerships with the government to bring greater value and accelerate the country’s economic recovery.