Post by : Meena Ariff

The travel and tourism sector in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries contributed $247.1 billion to the region’s GDP in 2024, marking a 31.9% increase compared with 2019, according to the GCC Statistical Centre.

The sector is expected to continue growing, with its contribution projected to reach 13.3% of the GDP by 2034, equivalent to $371.2 billion. This growth highlights tourism’s increasingly important role in driving economic, social, and environmental development across the region.

Tourism Creates Jobs and Opportunities

Tourism is also a major source of employment. In 2024, it contributed $4.3 billion to employment, up 24.9% from 2019. By 2034, the sector is expected to generate around 1.3 million new jobs, further boosting economic opportunities.

The industry also promotes inclusion and empowerment, particularly for youth and women. In 2024, women made up 13% of the sector’s workforce, representing a 73.2% increase since 2019.

Commitment to Sustainable Tourism

GCC countries are actively promoting sustainable tourism, focusing on the preservation of natural resources and the development of eco-tourism initiatives. In 2023, 19% of the GCC’s total area was designated as natural reserves, an increase of 7.5% from 2022.

Intra-GCC Tourism on the Rise

Tourism has also helped strengthen ties within the GCC. Intra-GCC tourism grew 52.1% in 2024 compared with 2019, with 19.3 million tourists traveling within the region. This represents 26.7% of total international visitors, highlighting the sector’s role in regional integration.

The report, titled “Tourism in the GCC: A Gateway to Development and Sustainable Transformation”, was released to mark World Tourism Day, emphasizing the sector’s importance as a driver of growth, employment, and sustainable development.

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