The United Arab Emirates is expanding cooperation with Bahrain, Uzbekistan and the European Union as it seeks to strengthen international tourism connections and attract greater visitor movement. Discussions held during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai focused on tourism products, travel flows, transport links and cooperation between tourism authorities.
The UAE held separate discussions with officials from Bahrain and Uzbekistan on ways to develop new tourism opportunities and increase travel between the markets. The talks included cooperation on tourism programmes, promotional activities, data sharing and the exchange of industry experience.
The discussions with Bahrain focused on developing tourism products and diversifying promotional programmes that could support greater movement of visitors between the two countries. Both sides also discussed the potential of cultural, natural and heritage attractions to support tourism growth.
Cooperation with Uzbekistan focused on expanding tourism projects and activities while increasing two way visitor traffic. The two countries also explored opportunities to share successful practices and strengthen broader links between their tourism industries.
The UAE also discussed tourism and transport cooperation with the European Union. The focus included improving connectivity between destinations and exploring sustainable transport solutions that could make travel easier for visitors. The EU has significant tourism links with the UAE, with European visitors accounting for more than 20 percent of visitors to Dubai alone.
Transport connectivity is becoming increasingly important for tourism growth as destinations compete to attract international travellers. Better links between countries can support visitor movement while also creating opportunities for tourism businesses, airlines, hotels and other travel related services.
The UAE is also using the Arabian Travel Market as a platform to develop partnerships across the global tourism industry. The event has brought together tourism authorities, airlines, hotels, destinations and travel companies to discuss new opportunities and changing trends in international travel.
The latest discussions form part of the UAE’s wider effort to strengthen international tourism cooperation and develop new visitor markets. Greater connectivity, new tourism products and stronger partnerships are expected to remain important areas of focus as the country continues to expand its tourism sector.