The Ministry of Economy recently organized a dialogue session at the Arabian Travel Market 2024 exhibition in Dubai, which focused on the strategies needed to drive growth in the Gulf tourism sector and its vital role in the region’s economies. The session was held in collaboration with REED Company as part of the 31st edition of the Arabian Travel Market Exhibition, and its theme was “Empowering Innovation: Developing the Travel Sector Through Entrepreneurship.”
The unified Gulf tourist visa, approved during the 44th Gulf Summit in December 2023, aims to streamline travel between GCC countries and showcase their diverse tourism offerings. This initiative is expected to increase tourist spending, enhance visitor experiences, and position the GCC as a premier destination for travelers worldwide. During the session, Minister bin Touq emphasized the significant contribution of the tourism sector to the UAE’s economy, with a GDP share of 11.7% in 2023 and an expected increase to 12% in 2024.
The tourism sector has been a key contributor to the GCC countries’ economies since it generates $109 billion in GDP annually. International tourists account for over half of total spending in these countries, reflecting their importance in job creation and infrastructure development. With growth projected in hotel establishments and visitor spending, these countries aim to achieve a target of $188 billion in tourist spending by 2030.
In conclusion, this dialogue session underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation to drive sustainable growth in the Gulf tourism sector. The unified Gulf tourist visa initiative will play a crucial role in enhancing cooperation among GCC nations while boosting travel between them. Additionally, educational programs can prepare skilled professionals for this growing sector while increasing job opportunities across its various industries.
Overall, this dialogue session highlighted that promoting innovation within
