Abu Dhabi is poised to witness a remarkable transformation in its tourism sector, with the launch of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030 by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. This ambitious strategy aims to position the emirate as one of the fastest-growing global destinations for international visitors. Here are the key highlights:
1. Visionary Goals:
- Increase the number of annual visitors to 39.3 million by 2030.
- Create 178,000 new jobs in the tourism sector, encompassing direct, indirect, and induced employment opportunities.
- Bolster the sector’s contribution to non-oil GDP to Dh90 billion by 2030.
2. Impressive Growth Trajectory:
- In 2023, Abu Dhabi experienced a significant surge in tourism, welcoming over 24 million visitors, marking a remarkable 30% increase from the previous year.
- The tourism industry made a substantial contribution of Dh49 billion to the GDP, showcasing a commendable 22% rise compared to 2022.
3. Infrastructure Enhancements:
- The opening of a new state-of-the-art terminal at Zayed International Airport has significantly augmented passenger handling capacity. The terminal can accommodate 45 million passengers annually and host 79 aircraft simultaneously.
- This increase in capacity enables airlines to expand their operations in Abu Dhabi, catering to the escalating demand for air travel.
- The accolade of ‘Best Airport at Arrivals Globally’ awarded to the airport at the 2023 Airport Service Quality Awards underscores its excellence in service delivery.
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4. Etihad Airways Performance:
- Etihad Airways, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, witnessed remarkable growth in February 2024, welcoming over 1.4 million guests onboard and achieving an impressive load factor averaging 89%.
- The airline’s strategic expansion, including the introduction of three new 787-9 aircraft and the announcement of additional routes, reflects its commitment to meeting growing travel demand.
5. Year-long Campaigns and Events:
- Abu Dhabi has launched extensive year-long campaigns, such as ‘One Summer Isn’t Enough’ and ‘Can’t Wait to Winter’, aimed at attracting both domestic and international tourists.
- These campaigns feature a diverse range of world-class events catering to various interests, including culture, sports, gastronomy, adventure, and music.
6. Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Success:
- Louvre Abu Dhabi continues to draw global attention, with over 1.2 million visitors in the past year, of which 72% were international tourists.
- The museum’s success can be attributed to its captivating exhibitions, engaging educational programs, and appeal to diverse audiences from key growth markets worldwide.
Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 sets the stage for unprecedented growth and prosperity, positioning the emirate as a leading global tourism destination renowned for its cultural richness, hospitality, and immersive experiences.
