GCC international tourism revenues surge to $120.2 billion

International tourism revenues in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states rose to $120.2 billion in 2024, up 39.6 per cent from 2019 and 8.9 per cent from 2023, the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (Gulf-Stat) said.

This reflects the continued strong performance of inbound tourism to the GCC countries in 2024, recording notable growth in visitor numbers, revenues, and employment, thereby reinforcing the sector’s role as one of the key drivers of economic diversification and support for GDP.

In its "Travel and Tourism in the GCC Countries 2024” report, Gulf-Stat said international tourist arrivals to the region reached 72.2 million in 2024, up 51.5 per cent from 2019 and 6.1 per cent from 2023, taking the GCC’s share of global tourism to 5.2 per cent.

This performance reflects a recovery exceeding pre-pandemic levels, driven by expanded air connectivity, visa facilitation measures, and the diversification of tourism products.

By source market, the Middle East accounted for 18.8 per cent of inbound tourists, followed by Europe at 14.6 per cent and Asia-Pacific at 14.5 per cent, it said.

Tourists and locals visit the Dubai Mall aquarium in downtown Dubai. AFP

Intra-GCC travel made up 41.3 per cent of total international tourists, with an average annual growth rate of 51.2 per cent between 2019 and 2024, Gulf-Stat said, citing greater mobility and joint events.

Tourism infrastructure expanded alongside demand, with hotel establishments in the GCC reaching 11,200 properties, comprising about 711,500 rooms. Tourism employment rose to 1.7 million workers in 2024, up 33.0 per cent from 2020.

Direct travel and tourism GDP reached $93.5 billion in 2024, achieving 64.1 per cent of the 2030 target, while the sector’s share of GCC GDP rose to 4.3 per cent.

Gulf-Stat said sustainability indicators showed an average length of stay of 8.4 nights and average spending of $674.6, alongside improved labour productivity. With achievement rates of 56 per cent to 78 per cent of GCC Tourism Strategy 2030 targets, it said the region was well positioned to sustain growth, particularly in cultural, eco, and business and conference tourism.