GCC countries are on track to significantly expand their tourism sector, with visitor spending projected to reach US$223.7 billion by 2034, according to new figures released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat).
In 2023 alone, international visitors spent US$135.5 billion across the region, marking a sharp 28.9% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This surge highlights the region’s accelerating momentum in attracting global tourists and boosting its non-oil economy.
Tourism’s growing economic role is also reflected in its projected contribution to total exports, which is expected to climb to 13.4% by 2034.
The report also points to continued progress across key tourism indicators, underscoring the GCC’s strategic focus on the sector as part of its broader economic diversification efforts.
Safety and security remain major strengths, with the GCC topping the 2024 Safety and Security Index for the Middle East and North Africa. All member states scored above the regional average of 5.86 out of 7.
In addition, GCC nations ranked among the top six in the Arab region for passport strength, further supporting their push to attract international travelers and strengthen global mobility.
These milestones affirm the GCC’s growing position as a leading destination in the global tourism landscape.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
