According to Khalid Jasim Al Midfa of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Authority (SCTDA), the regional nations will implement the system to introduce the unified GCC tourist visa before the end of the year at the Arabian Travel Market on Monday.
Al Midfa, speaking during a panel discussion, affirmed that the entire system would be implemented by year-end, emphasizing the round-the-clock effort with e-service as a crucial component. He stressed simplicity for users while maintaining security standards. Al Midfa anticipates positive outcomes for regional economies from this initiative.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy, announced ongoing efforts with GCC partners to launch the unified GCC tourist visa, approved by all regional countries last year. Anticipating its impact, he expects it to showcase diverse tourism destinations, attract and retain tourists longer, increase hotel guests, and elevate the region as a leading destination for both regional and international tourists. Al Marri shared these insights after a meeting at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh on April 28 and 29.
Packages, aligning biggest events
According to Al Midfa, the UAE and other Gulf nations are collaborating with major travel operators and businesses to launch packages that cover the entire area.
He added that talks are underway with hotels and airlines to create partnerships.
“As government, we create the right platform that enables them to create business. So work closely with the private sector we make it happen.”
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri emphasized that with the rollout of the GCC single tourist visa, companies and tourist operators will offer combined packages automatically. The aim is to extend visitors' length of stay in the UAE, aligning with typical leisure travel durations of 2-3 weeks. Al Marri highlighted the plan to streamline packages within the GCC, ensuring ease of purchase. He suggested aligning major events to avoid overlap, facilitating seamless travel experiences. Furthermore, he revealed that both leisure and business travel packages will be available from the private sector once the single tourist visa is launched.
Sarah Buhijji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, disclosed that Bahrain is developing packages for the entire GCC region. She outlined a concept where visitors could stay in Bahrain for 3 nights and then continue their journey to Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Buhijji emphasized promoting the entire region as one comprehensive package. Bahrain has signed an MoU with Saudi Arabia to jointly promote both countries as a single destination, and similar collaborations are underway with other regional countries.
News Source: Khaleej Times
