AIM Congress explores future of tourism investment
The session brought together 13 speakers, including officials and ministers from the UAE, Bahrain, Georgia, Montenegro, Egypt, and Iran, as well as senior executives from UNCTAD, UN Tourism, World Economic Forum, ESCAP, and the World Free Zones Organisation.
The roundtable emphasised tourism's critical role in economic resilience, job creation, and sustainable development. Opening remarks celebrated the region's leadership in shaping future-ready policies to attract quality investments that balance economic growth with environmental preservation.
Abdulla Ahmed Alsaleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, said, 'Under the guidance of our wise leadership, the UAE has succeeded in consolidating its position as a global destination for investment in the tourism sector. We seek to attract AED100 billion in new investments by 2031.'
Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Bahrain, highlighted the nation's evolving tourism policy and robust investment climate, emphasising Bahrain's strategic role in advancing sustainable tourism and economic growth.
Under its leadership, Bahrain has aligned itself with global tourism development goals, integrating UN initiatives while offering attractive investment opportunities through Golden Licences—two of which are tailored specifically to the tourism sector. With streamlined regulations, investor privileges, and a 'one-stop-shop' approach to project facilitation, Bahrain continues to position itself as a premier destination for tourism development and global collaboration.
Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, announced a transformative shift in the country's tourism strategy, emphasising a strong pivot toward private sector involvement and investment-driven growth.
Yomna Elbahar, Vice Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, highlighted Egypt's independent progress in tourism and emphasised the nation's commitment to innovation in hospitality. 'We are bringing together industry pioneers to explore the future of branded living and luxury hospitality in Egypt—shaping new possibilities for the sector,' she said.
Nan Li Collins of UNCTAD underscored the importance of innovative investment frameworks that are resilient and environmentally conscious, while Matthew Stephenson of the World Economic Forum pointed to the power of digital transformation and AI in shaping post-pandemic tourism.
Speakers unanimously called for public-private collaboration, green financing, and investment in human capital as core pillars to unlock tourism's full potential. The session concluded with a strong call to action: to integrate policy innovation, technology, and sustainability as guiding principles for shaping the next era of global tourism investment.
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