GCC Countries Welcomed 68.1 Million Tourists And Generated USD 110.4 Billion In Revenue In 2023

The Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) reported in December 2024 that international tourists visiting GCC countries reached approximately 68.1 million by the end of 2023. This marks a 42.8% increase compared to 2019 figures. The data is part of the "Travel and Tourism in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries" newsletter.

The GCC countries have accomplished 52.9% of their first strategic goal from the joint tourism strategy (2023-2030). This objective aims to gradually boost incoming trips, targeting 128.7 million tourists. By the end of 2023, international tourism revenues rose by 28.2% compared to 2019, reaching $110.4 billion. This progress represents 58.7% of the second strategic goal, which is to increase international tourist spending to $188 billion.

Intra-GCC tourism accounted for 26.9% of total international tourists, growing by 44.2% since 2019. The Asia-Pacific region was the largest source market for GCC tourism at 38%, followed by the Middle East at 25.1%, Europe at 22.9%, Africa at 8.8%, and the Americas at 4.3%.

Tourism positively impacts infrastructure in GCC nations, with data showing that there were 10,893 hotel establishments in these countries in 2023, including 697 rooms. Additionally, five GCC countries surpassed regional averages in air transport infrastructure.

The travel and tourism sector contributed significantly to the Gulf's GDP, accounting for 10.8%. It experienced an annual growth rate of 29.4% compared to the previous year, with its added value reaching $223.4 billion by late 2023.

Employment and Gender Representation

By the end of 2023, about 1.5 million people were employed in the GCC's tourism sector, marking a growth rate of 17% from 2019 levels. The sector's employment added value amounted to $4.04 billion, with a yearly growth rate of 15.5% over two years.

Women represented a notable portion of this workforce at 12.4%, achieving an annual growth rate of 27.5% since figures recorded in 2020, highlighting efforts towards female empowerment within this crucial industry.

Environmental Sustainability Efforts

The tourism sector also supports environmental sustainability across GCC nations, with natural reserves comprising up to 15.1% of their total area by the end of last year—a rise with an annual growth rate of 39% from between 2017 and last year.

These developments underscore significant strides made by GCC countries in enhancing their travel and tourism sectors while promoting economic growth and sustainability initiatives effectively across various domains.

With inputs from WAM