The Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) has released new data projecting that visitor spending across GCC countries is expected to surge to $223.7 billion by 2034.
The findings reflect the region’s robust progress in enhancing its tourism ecosystem and affirm the growing contribution of the tourism sector to economic diversification strategies aligned with national visions across the Gulf.
According to the GCC-Stat report, incoming visitor spending is forecast to contribute 13.4 percent to total exports by 2034, underscoring the sector’s rising importance in the Gulf’s economic landscape. In 2023 alone, total international visitor spending across the GCC reached $135.5 billion, marking a 28.9 percent increase from 2019 levels, which highlights a strong post-pandemic recovery and sustained growth trajectory.
The GCC-Stat report further notes that GCC countries are making steady strides in improving tourism-related indicators, supported by large-scale infrastructure investments, visa policy reforms, and strategic initiatives to enhance the region’s attractiveness to international travelers.
In terms of regional performance, GCC countries secured the top positions in the 2024 Safety and Security Index for the Middle East and North Africa, with all six member states scoring above the regional average of 5.86 (on a scale from 1 to 7). Safety remains a critical factor influencing tourist decisions, and this ranking further bolsters the region’s image as a secure and desirable destination.
Additionally, GCC states rank among the top six Arab countries in passport power, reflecting the increasing global mobility and diplomatic standing of Gulf nations.
