H.E. Bin Touq Showcases UAE’s Global Leadership in Smart, Sustainable Tourism at World Tourism Forum in Prague

His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, participated in the World Tourism Forum 2025 held in Prague on 12–13 May, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to shaping the future of global tourism through technology, sustainability, and international cooperation.

Organised by UN Tourism in collaboration with the Government of the Czech Republic, the forum ran under the theme “Shaping the Future of Tourism through Innovation and Technology.” The event convened global policymakers, thought leaders, and industry experts to explore how artificial intelligence, digital tools, and innovation can redefine tourism in an era of rapid transformation.

During his address, H.E. Bin Touq emphasized the UAE’s position as a leading global hub for sustainable tourism, highlighting its forward-looking approach that integrates smart technologies and innovation across its tourism infrastructure and strategy. He pointed to the UAE’s National Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to:

• Position the UAE as the world’s top tourism destination

• Raise tourism’s contribution to GDP to AED 450 billion

• Attract AED 100 billion in tourism investments

• Welcome 40 million hotel guests annually

“The UAE has successfully established its position on the global tourism landscape through innovation, strategic partnerships, and world-class infrastructure,” said H.E. Bin Touq. “By leveraging AI and advanced digital tools, we are creating a smarter, more resilient, and sustainable tourism ecosystem that contributes meaningfully to our national economy and global collaboration.”

He stressed the importance of the World Tourism Forum as a platform for international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and showcasing UAE’s smart tourism initiatives, while reaffirming the nation's commitment to developing national talent, forging global partnerships, and driving inclusive growth in the tourism sector.

Forum sessions covered vital themes including big data in tourism, environmental sustainability, education, talent attraction, and the social responsibilities of the sector. The UAE’s active participation further highlighted its pivotal role in advancing smart tourism projects and setting new benchmarks in sustainable tourism practices globally.

His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, participated in the World Tourism Forum 2025 held in Prague on 12–13 May, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to shaping the future of global tourism through technology, sustainability, and international cooperation.

Organised by UN Tourism in collaboration with the Government of the Czech Republic, the forum ran under the theme “Shaping the Future of Tourism through Innovation and Technology.” The event convened global policymakers, thought leaders, and industry experts to explore how artificial intelligence, digital tools, and innovation can redefine tourism in an era of rapid transformation.

During his address, H.E. Bin Touq emphasized the UAE’s position as a leading global hub for sustainable tourism, highlighting its forward-looking approach that integrates smart technologies and innovation across its tourism infrastructure and strategy. He pointed to the UAE’s National Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to:

• Position the UAE as the world’s top tourism destination

• Raise tourism’s contribution to GDP to AED 450 billion

• Attract AED 100 billion in tourism investments

• Welcome 40 million hotel guests annually

“The UAE has successfully established its position on the global tourism landscape through innovation, strategic partnerships, and world-class infrastructure,” said H.E. Bin Touq. “By leveraging AI and advanced digital tools, we are creating a smarter, more resilient, and sustainable tourism ecosystem that contributes meaningfully to our national economy and global collaboration.”

He stressed the importance of the World Tourism Forum as a platform for international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and showcasing the UAE’s smart tourism initiatives, while reaffirming the nation's commitment to developing national talent, forging global partnerships, and driving inclusive growth in the tourism sector.

Forum sessions covered vital themes including big data in tourism, environmental sustainability, education, talent attraction, and the social responsibilities of the sector. The UAE’s active participation further highlighted its pivotal role in advancing smart tourism projects and setting new benchmarks in sustainable tourism practices globally.