As the Gulf region continues to establish itself as a global tourism hub, new data points to strong long-term growth in the sector. From cultural festivals to luxury hospitality projects, the region’s investments in tourism are beginning to deliver results.

Visitor spending across GCC countries is projected to rise to $223.7 billion by 2034, according to the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat).

According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the data also shows that inbound tourism will make up 13.4% of total exports by that year, highlighting the sector’s growing economic importance in the region.

The report points to a strong recovery and sustained momentum in the tourism sector, with international visitor spending reaching $135.5 billion in 2023, a 28.9% increase over 2019.

GCC countries also topped regional rankings for safety and security, claiming the highest position in the 2024 Middle East and North Africa Safety and Security Index. All six member states scored above the regional average of 5.86 on a seven-point scale.

The bloc continues to perform well in global passport rankings, with each member state ranking among the Arab region’s strongest in terms of travel document strength.

According to GCC-Stat, these findings reflect the growing role of tourism in the region’s economic diversification efforts, with visitor spending not only rebounding but also surpassing pre-pandemic levels.