Tourism in the Gulf Region on a Rapid Growth Path – 68.1 Million International Tourists in 2023

Tourism in the Gulf region witnessed significant growth in 2023. Jasem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), announced during the ninth meeting of GCC tourism ministers held on February 17, 2025, in Kuwait, that the number of international tourists visiting the Gulf tourism sector by the end of 2023 reached 68.1 million.

This meeting, chaired by Abdulrahman Badah Al-Mutairi, Minister of Information, Culture, and Youth Affairs of Kuwait, focused on reviewing Gulf tourism achievements and implementing the Gulf Tourism Strategy 2023-2030.

📊 GCC Tourism, Revenue & Employment Comparison (2019-2023)

Category	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
🔵 International Tourists (Million)	47.7	20.5	35.8	52.3	68.1
💰 Tourism Revenue (Billion $)	86.1	40.5	65.3	90.7	110.4
👨‍💼 Employment (Million Jobs)	1.2	0.9	1.1	1.35	1.5

Economic Growth and Tourism Revenue

The GCC Secretary-General emphasized that increasing the GCC countries’ share of global tourism and growing revenues from this industry result from the implementation of development policies and strategic economic plans in the Gulf tourism industry. He also stated that tourism revenue in the Gulf region in 2023 reached $110.4 billion, reflecting a 28.2% growth compared to 2019.

📊 Growth of Tourism Revenues in the Gulf Region

✅ Gulf tourism is considered one of the key economic drivers of GCC countries. The GCC Secretary-General highlighted that member states have already achieved 58.7% of their 2030 revenue target, amounting to $188 billion.

📈 The Gulf tourism sector‘s share of global tourism has reached 5.2%, while its share of global tourism revenues has grown to 7.2%. These statistics indicate that the Gulf region tourism industry is becoming a major international tourism hub.

🚀 This growth not only highlights the prominent position of Gulf tourism destinations in the global tourism market but also signifies increasing demand for luxury tourism in the Gulf, the development of Gulf tourist infrastructure, and investment in hotels and entertainment centers in the region.

💰 Economic Impact of the Tourism Industry on the Gulf Region

📊 Gulf tourism development plays a crucial role in the economic progress of the region.

✅ The Gulf tourism sector‘s contribution to the GDP of GCC countries in 2023 reached $223.4 billion, marking an annual growth rate of 29.4% between 2022 and 2023. ✅ The Gulf tourism industry created over 1.5 million jobs in 2023, reflecting a 17% increase compared to 2020.

🚀 Key Initiatives by Gulf Countries to Develop Tourism

• 🔹 The United Arab Emirates, particularly Al Ain, has been chosen as the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2025.
• 🔹 Bahrain was selected as the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2024.
• 🔹 Saudi Arabia secured the hosting of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, further boosting its Gulf tourism sector.
• 🔹 The Sultanate of Oman launched a new tourism identity, taking a significant step toward Gulf tourism growth.
• 🔹 Qatar hosted the 51st regional meeting of the World Tourism Organization and the Sports Tourism Conference following the World Cup, strengthening its Gulf tourism industry.

📌 Top Tourist Destinations in the Gulf Region Based on Visitor Numbers

📍 1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates 📍 2. Mecca, Saudi Arabia 📍 3. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 📍 4. Doha, Qatar 📍 5. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 📍 6. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 📍 7. Muscat, Oman 📍 8. Manama, Bahrain 📍 9. Kuwait City, Kuwait 📍 10. Salalah, Oman

📌 Summary and Future Outlook

📍 The ninth GCC tourism ministers’ meeting in Kuwait focused on strengthening regional cooperation in the Gulf tourism industry and implementing new strategic projects in this field.

Based on the presented statistics, Gulf tourism development is on track to make the region one of the world’s most important tourism hubs, with comprehensive Gulf tourism strategies expected to lead to further advancements by 2030.