UAE to Host Next UN Tourism Executive Council Meeting, Reinforcing Global Focus on Sustainable and Innovative Tourism

Tourism

UAE to Host Next UN Tourism Executive Council Meeting, Reinforcing Global Focus on Sustainable and Innovative Tourism

The United Arab Emirates has been selected to host the upcoming 127th session of the UN Tourism Executive Council in the second half of 2026, reinforcing the country’s growing role in shaping the future of global tourism and advancing international cooperation across sustainability, innovation, and economic development.

The announcement was made during the 126th session of the UN Tourism Executive Council held in Toledo, Spain, where the UAE delegation was led by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism.

During the session, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at building a more resilient, sustainable, and technology-driven tourism sector capable of responding to evolving global challenges and opportunities.

Discussions at the council meeting addressed several strategic priorities influencing the future of tourism worldwide, including digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), climate action, tourism investment, data and statistics, and preparations for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027. The meeting also reviewed the organisation’s strategic outlook for the 2026–2029 period.

H.E. Bin Touq highlighted that the global tourism industry is entering a transformative phase that requires stronger cooperation between governments, international organisations, and private-sector stakeholders to build a more adaptive and competitive tourism ecosystem.

He emphasised that the UAE has developed an advanced tourism model based on partnership, sustainability, innovation, economic openness, and destination diversity, helping position the country among the world’s leading tourism and investment destinations.

The Minister also outlined the objectives of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which serves as a national roadmap to accelerate tourism growth and strengthen economic diversification. The strategy aims to increase tourism’s contribution to the national economy to AED 450 billion, attract AED 100 billion in tourism investments, and raise annual hotel guest numbers to 40 million visitors.

Supporting these ambitions, the UAE continues to implement a range of national initiatives, including the National Tourism Charter, development of the Tourism Satellite Account, implementation of the Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST) framework, and the UAE Grand Tours project, which leverages artificial intelligence and data analytics to improve visitor experiences, destination management, and tourism services.

The UAE also reaffirmed support for the future direction of UN Tourism under the leadership of H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General of the Organization, with priorities focused on enhancing institutional effectiveness, expanding tourism’s developmental impact, accelerating innovation and digital transformation, and strengthening tourism investment and data capabilities.

Officials stated that hosting the Executive Council meeting reflects growing international confidence in the UAE’s tourism sector and its ability to facilitate global dialogue on tourism policy, investment, sustainability, and capacity building.

The upcoming session is expected to bring together international decision-makers and tourism leaders to address future opportunities and challenges while strengthening tourism’s role as a driver of economic growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable development worldwide.