Total tourism revenues in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries reached US$131.9 billion in 2025, up 9.7 percent year on year, while tourist arrivals rose 4.9 percent to 75.7 million compared with 2024.
The figures come from the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-STAT).
The data appeared in the Centre’s weekly bulletin, titled “Gulf Tourism in the Era of Smart Transformation”. It showed that 20.1 million tourists travelled between GCC countries, a 3.6 percent increase. The number of hotel establishments grew 4.8 percent to 12,400, pointing to a wider operational base and more accommodation options for visitors.
The bulletin said the numbers underline tourism’s role in economic diversification. The sector connects with transport, aviation, hospitality, retail and entertainment, while stimulating investment, creating jobs and strengthening the contribution of non-oil activities to Gulf economies.
On digital readiness, GCC countries scored between 34 and 99 points in the 2025 Emerging Technology Adoption Index, with three Gulf countries placing among the global top 20. Scores in the Mobile App Development Index ranged from 60 to 77 points.
In the Online Government Services Index, scores ranged from 56 to 99 points, and three GCC countries ranked among the top 25 globally. The bulletin noted that digital government services ease travel and stay procedures and improve the efficiency of services for visitors.
It described digital transformation as a fundamental pillar of Gulf tourism competitiveness, with data and artificial intelligence (AI) helping to understand tourists’ needs. The bulletin also called for stronger digital integration among GCC countries and shared platforms linking booking and transport services, offering a more seamless experience and encouraging intra-GCC tourism.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
