According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the industry is growing faster in the UAE than in the rest of the world. So, on average in developed countries, it brings to the treasury about 9% of total revenue. It is expected that this year the UAE tourism sector will grow by another 3.2% due to direct and indirect revenues and incentive measures.
It is worth noting that today in the United Arab Emirates every ninth resident is engaged in tourism, while in other countries on average every 11th resident works in the field of hospitality. If in 2012 the number of jobs in tourism and travel amounted to 383.5 thousand people, then by the end of 2013 it would increase by 2.6% to 393.5 thousand people. At the same time, the global growth rate will be 1.7%.
Almost a quarter (23%) of all investments in the country was invested in the tourism sector - US $ 22.4 billion. It is expected that this year the investment growth will reach another 12%.
David Skosil, president and chief executive officer of WTTC, said: "The UAE is looking for ways to diversify the economy, while gaining social and economic benefits from tourism and capitalizing on investments."
According to the council’s forecasts, by 2023, the volume of tourist flow in the UAE will amount to 25.8 million people, and the industry’s annual income will be about US $ 56.4 billion.
