The UAE has hosted 16 senior tourism officials from nine countries as part of its Global Tourism Leadership Programme, organised by the Government Knowledge Exchange Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs in partnership with the Dubai College of Tourism.
The programme gathered state secretaries, CEOs, directors-general, and top officials from Kazakhstan, the Maldives, Georgia, Montenegro, Seychelles, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Kenya, providing them with an in-depth look at the UAE’s innovative tourism approaches.
Through a range of field visits, hands-on workshops, and expert-led discussions, participants examined leading practices in travel service development, enhancing visitor experiences, and integrating advanced technologies into the tourism sector.
The initiative aims to equip global tourism leaders with actionable tools and strategic insights to advance sustainable tourism growth in their respective countries, while strengthening their ability to address upcoming sector challenges.
Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, emphasised that the programme reflects the UAE’s dedication to sharing knowledge, fostering global partnerships, and reinforcing its status as a top international tourism hub.
The programme included leadership dialogues, immersive learning opportunities, and site visits to key tourism organisations across the UAE. Participants engaged with central themes such as traveller motivations and behaviours, tourism services, the full travel journey, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping the industry’s future.
Industry specialists led interactive sessions designed to give participants advanced technical and strategic understanding, preparing them to become future leaders committed to innovation and sustainable tourism progress.
Launched in 2018, the Government Experience Exchange Programme seeks to share the UAE’s leading government models and expertise with countries worldwide, enhancing collaboration in government development and modernisation.
Since its inception, the programme has worked with numerous countries to build institutional capabilities, improve government performance, and support strategic initiatives and innovative public services.
(Inputs from WAM)
