Abu dhabi: Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General Elect of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) for the 2026-2029 term, revealed that the global tourism and travel sector contributed US$10.9 trillion to the world’s GDP in 2024, accounting for 10% of the global economy.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Nowais shared these insights during the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025, which commenced today in Dubai. She stated that this contribution is expected to rise to US$11.7 trillion in 2025, marking a 6.7% increase over 2024 and a 13% increase compared to 2019 levels. A report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) highlighted that the sector grew by 8.5% in 2024 compared with 2023, and by 6% compared with 2019.
Al Nowais underscored tourism’s pivotal role as a driver of sustainable economic growth, attracting both domestic and foreign investment. She emphasized the sector’s strength in delivering direct economic and social benefits to destinations and host communities, contributing to job creation, supporting local businesses, and increasing revenues for both public and private sectors. This, in turn, advances the economies of both developing and developed countries.
In the face of global challenges, Al Nowais noted that the tourism industry is navigating a critical phase, with climate change, rapid technological advancement, and geopolitical shifts at the forefront. She called for agile and forward-looking leadership to foster innovative and collaborative solutions to redefine sustainable and responsible tourism’s future.
Concluding her statements, Al Nowais praised the UAE’s model of an integrated and sustainable tourism ecosystem. She affirmed that the country’s ambitious strategies and pioneering initiatives have cemented its standing as a global leader in innovation and sustainability.