Tourism is one of the cornerstones of Abu Dhabi's economic development and that's why, over the past few years, the emirate has developed the tourism infrastructure in line with the knowledge economy strategies implemented by the government, said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, while giving his World Tourism Day address. 

 

This includes enhancing the tourism workforce and encouraging more talent to contribute to the growth of the sector, he stated.

 

This year, World Tourism Day is being held under the theme of ‘Tourism and Rural Development’, he said, emphasising the role tourism plays in creating social and economic unity and cohesion, especially in developing areas.

 

"This comes during a challenging year for the worldwide tourism sector, as the Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly had its impact on the industry, presenting us with a number of unprecedented challenges. We have had to approach these challenges with innovative solutions and strategies to revive the sector while maintaining the safety and well-being of our local community, which has always been our utmost priority," stated Al Mubarak. 

 

"We also took this time to develop a number of cultural and heritage programmes, which incorporate a wealth of talent from various backgrounds and age groups. Additionally, we have worked on creating a number of ground-breaking virtual experiences to enable travellers to appreciate the best of Abu Dhabi, amidst a number of closures and travel restrictions imposed by the pandemic," he added.

 

According to him, through this innovation and commitment, the UAE has succeeded in setting a shining example in crisis management with its globally acclaimed Covid-19 response. 

 

"We have worked relentlessly alongside other government entities to launch a number of initiatives to support the tourism sector during this period and elevate the level of trust amongst our consumers to position Abu Dhabi as one of the safest destinations in the world," he stated.

 

"And today, as we prepare to welcome visitors once again, we are doubling our efforts in ensuring the safety of our destinations to guarantee our guests a safe and unforgettable experience," he added.