Jaipur: The UAE actively participated in the BRICS Tourism Ministers' Meeting held under India's Chairship in Jaipur, focusing on the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.' The meeting culminated in the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration, which outlines strategic priorities for the BRICS countries in the tourism sector.

According to Emirates News Agency, the Jaipur Declaration was the result of preparatory discussions held by the BRICS Tourism Working Group in August 2026. The declaration highlights four thematic priorities: Artificial Intelligence and Tourism, Sustainability and Responsible Tourism, Tourism Skilling and Capacity Building, and Tourism Exchanges and Seamless Travel Facilitation.

The UAE's delegation, led by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, expressed full support for the Indian presidency and its focus on enhancing tourism cooperation. Al Marri highlighted tourism's role beyond mere travel, emphasizing its contributions to investment, economic growth, and job creation, as well as its potential to strengthen ties between communities.

A significant outcome of the meeting was the proposal to establish the "BRICS Tourism Solutions Exchange Platform." Al Marri viewed this initiative as an effective way to share expertise, solutions, and training opportunities among member states, promoting innovation within the sector.

The Ministers' Communique, endorsed by consensus, acknowledges the transformative role of responsible Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies in tourism. It supports collaboration in areas such as tourism planning, destination management, visitor services, and travel facilitation. The communique also emphasizes sustainable tourism, heritage protection, tourism investment, infrastructure development, and people-to-people connectivity among BRICS nations.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Al Marri engaged in discussions with India's Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Brazil's Minister of Tourism, Gustavo Costa Feliciando. These talks explored opportunities to expand tourism cooperation between the UAE and both India and Brazil. Discussions included the development of tourism products and experiences, joint tourism events, and the exchange of expertise in managing tourism destinations.