The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries welcomed 68.1 million international tourists by the end of 2023, marking a 42.8% increase compared to 2019, according to Arabian Business, citing data from the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) in December 2024.
This growth has propelled the region toward achieving its tourism objectives, with GCC nations reaching 52.9% of their first strategic goal under the 2023-2030 joint tourism strategy—gradually increasing visitor numbers to 128.7 million.
Booming Tourism Revenues
By the end of 2023, international tourism revenues in the GCC had risen by 28.2% compared to 2019, reaching $110.4 billion. This accounts for 58.7% of the second strategic goal: boosting international tourist spending to $188 billion.
The report also revealed that intra-GCC tourism made up 26.9% of total international tourist arrivals, growing by 44.2% from 2019. The Asia-Pacific region was the largest source of visitors to the GCC, accounting for 38%, followed by the Middle East (25.1%), Europe (22.9%), Africa (8.8%), and the Americas (4.3%).
Tourism Infrastructure & Economic Impact
The tourism boom has driven infrastructure expansion, with 10,893 hotel establishments recorded across the GCC in 2023. Five of the six GCC countries also surpassed the regional average for air transport infrastructure.
Tourism’s contribution to the Gulf’s GDP stood at 10.8%, with a 29.4% annual growth rate compared to the previous year. The sector’s total added value reached approximately $223.4 billion by the end of 2023.
The industry employed around 1.5 million people, a 17% increase from 2019, with the sector’s employment-related economic contribution reaching $4.04 billion. Women made up 12.4% of the tourism workforce, reflecting a 27.5% annual increase since 2020, underlining efforts to enhance female participation in the sector.
Sustainability Efforts
Environmental sustainability initiatives have also gained traction. Natural reserves now cover 15.1% of the GCC’s total land area, reflecting a 39% growth rate between 2017 and 2023.
The GCC’s tourism sector continues to experience remarkable expansion, driven by strategic investments, infrastructure enhancements, and sustainability initiatives, positioning the region as a global tourism hub.
