WTTC predicts UAE’s tourism industry will create 23,600 new jobs by 2024

The UAE’s travel and tourism sector is set for a significant boost this year, with the addition of 23,600 new positions, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). This will bring the total workforce in the sector to nearly 833,000, representing a substantial growth in job opportunities.

In its UAE 2024 Economic Impact report, the WTTC highlighted the sector’s resilience and recovery following the challenges posed by the pandemic. Jobs supported by travel and tourism grew by 41,000 last year, reaching over 809,000, which accounts for one in nine jobs in the country.

WTTC’s President and CEO, Julia Simpson, expressed optimism about the sector’s future, stating that there will be approximately a million jobs in travel and tourism by 2032, with a projected value of Dh275 billion. This growth includes employment opportunities in various areas such as hotels, hospitality, aviation, travel agencies, and online travel platforms.

Furthermore, the WTTC forecasts continued growth in the sector, with a GDP of over Dh236 billion expected in 2024. International visitor spending is projected to increase by nearly 10 percent, reaching Dh192 billion, while domestic visitor spending is forecast to rise by 4.3 percent, reaching almost Dh58 billion.

Overall, the UAE’s travel and tourism sector has experienced a record-breaking year, surpassing previous milestones in terms of GDP contribution, job creation, and visitor spending. Simpson emphasized the sector’s vital role in the country’s economic framework and praised the UAE’s strategic vision for enhancing the industry.