GCC Tourism grows by 31.9% adding US$247.1B to GDP in 2024, enhancing regional economies, integration – GCC Stat

MIDDLE EAST – The travel and tourism sector in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries contributed approximately US$247.1 billion to regional GDP by the end of 2024—an impressive 31.9 percent rise since 2019, according to the Statistical Center for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.

This surge reflects tourism’s growing significance as a core driver of economic diversification and social development across the Gulf.

By 2034, the sector’s GDP share is forecasted to hit 13.3 percent, equivalent to around US$371.2 billion.

This confirms tourism’s pivotal role in shaping sustainable growth trajectories, encompassing employment, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship.

Intra-GCC tourism expanded by 52.1 percent in 2024 compared to 2019, attracting 19.3 million visitors traveling across member states.

These travelers accounted for nearly 27 percent of all international arrivals to the region, highlighting strengthening cultural and economic integration.

Saudi Arabia leads this tourism surge, welcoming a record 30 million international tourists in 2024, an 8 percent increase year-on-year.

The Kingdom’s travel spending hit SAR 284 billion (US$75.7 billion), reflecting an 11 percent increase, and total tourists, domestic and international, reached 116 million, growing 6 percent from last year.

The United Arab Emirates continues its upward trajectory, targeting up to 40 million hotel guests by 2031 through strategies that emphasize luxury tourism, infrastructure development, and diversified experiences to attract leisure and business travelers.

Qatar also benefits from surges linked to global events and increased connectivity, bolstering its hospitality sector growth.

Employment in GCC tourism reached US$4.3 billion in value-added contributions this year, growing nearly 25 percent since 2019.

The sector is expected to create 1.3 million new jobs by 2034, supporting economic resilience and poverty alleviation.

Youth and women employees have notably increased, with female participation rising 73 percent since 2019 to comprise 13 percent of the workforce.

Furthermore, commitment to sustainability is strong, with the protected natural reserves in the GCC expanding to 19 percent of total land and marine areas by 2023, up 7.5 percent from the prior year, reflecting a focus on ecotourism and environmental responsibility.

These developments demonstrate how tourism is a pillar of economic progress, social inclusivity, and environmental protection in the GCC, helping to realize Vision 2030 and future-ready diversified economies.

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