The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have recently come together to discuss strategies for developing their tourism industry at the Arabian Travel Market 2024 exhibition in Dubai. A dialogue session, titled “The Most Important Initiatives for Developing Tourism in the GCC Countries,” was held by the Ministry of Economy and attended by representatives from the tourism sector in each country.
The session, organized in collaboration with REED Company, focused on driving growth in the Gulf tourism sector and its vital role in the region’s economies. One of the key initiatives highlighted was the activation of a unified tourist visa to streamline travel between GCC countries. This initiative is expected to showcase the diverse tourism offerings of GCC countries and boost travel between them, leading to increased tourist spending and enhanced visitor experiences.
The theme for this year’s session was “Empowering Innovation: Developing the Travel Sector Through Entrepreneurship,” featuring industry leaders and experts in the travel and tourism sector. Minister bin Touq emphasized that tourism has been a significant contributor to the UAE’s economy, with a GDP share of 11.7% in 2023 and an expected increase to 12% in 2024.
The unified Gulf tourist visa aims to position GCC countries as a premier destination for travelers worldwide while also increasing cooperation among them. Other topics discussed included potential impacts on tourism movements within GCC countries, educational programs preparing skilled professionals for the sector, and ways to enhance collaboration among GCC nations for a richer tourist experience.
In conclusion, collaboration is crucial to drive sustainable growth in the Gulf tourism sector, which has contributed $109 billion or around 5% of total GDP in 2021. International tourists accounted for over half of total spending in these countries, reflecting their importance as job creators and infrastructure developers. With projected growth targets set for hotel establishments and visitor spending by 2030, it’s clear that innovation will continue playing a crucial role in shaping the future of this critical industry within these regions.