The travel and tourism sector in the UAE is set to experience significant growth, with 23,500 new jobs expected to be created this year. According to Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the total number of employment in the sector is projected to reach 833,000 by 2024.
WTTC predicts that by 2024, the sector’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP will increase to 12%, reaching Dh236 billion. International visitor spending is expected to grow by nearly 10% to Dh192 billion, while domestic visitor spending is forecasted to increase by 4.3% to Dh58 billion.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, Simpson highlighted the UAE government’s significant investment in the travel and tourism sector. She praised the country for not only maintaining its position as a strong tourism destination but also surpassing all markets in the industry.
The 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) report by WTTC revealed that the number of jobs in the UAE’s travel and tourism sector grew by 41,000 in 2023, reaching over 809,000. This sector’s growth is a testament to the country’s efforts to attract tourists from around the world to destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah.
The UAE’s travel and tourism sector has not only recovered from the challenges of the past but has also set new records, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic landscape. With continuous growth in employment and visitor spending, the sector is playing a pivotal role in driving prosperity in the UAE.