Expansion of UAE’s Travel & Tourism sector to generate 23,500 new jobs in 2021

The travel and tourism industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to experience significant growth, with the addition of 23,500 jobs in 2024, according to a report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). This increase will bring the total employment figure in the sector to 833,000 by 2024, with projections indicating a further rise to 928,000 by 2034.

Julia Simpson, president and CEO of WTTC, highlighted the UAE’s strategic vision and commitment to enhancing its travel and tourism sector, leading to remarkable growth in both employment and visitor spending. The sector’s economic contribution to the UAE is expected to reach Dh275 billion by 2024, accounting for 12% of the country’s GDP.

International visitor spending in the UAE is forecasted to surge by nearly 10%, reaching Dh192 billion, while domestic visitor expenditure is predicted to rise by 4.3%, approaching Dh58 billion. The WTTC report also revealed that the Middle Eastern travel and tourism sector grew by more than 25% in 2023, reaching almost $460 billion.

For Nigerians seeking job opportunities in the UAE, the rapid expansion of the travel and tourism sector presents significant prospects. With a steady demand for various skills and professions related to tourism and hospitality, including customer service, hotel management, tour operations, and event management, there is potential for job seekers from Nigeria to find opportunities in the industry.

The UAE’s focus on sustainable and inclusive growth within tourism could also enhance job accessibility for international candidates, including those from Nigeria. As the sector continues to set benchmarks for the global travel industry, the UAE remains a top destination for both tourists and job seekers alike.