Speaking at the GCC’s eighth assembly of tourism ministers in Doha, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, has applauded the adoption of a unified tourist visa to bolster regional travel.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration ahead of the new visa’s introduction. Al-Khateeb hailed the GCC Supreme Council’s decision as a milestone in fostering tourism cooperation among member states.
The minister highlighted that the new visa would enhance the Gulf’s appeal as a world-class tourist destination and acknowledged strides made in enacting the Gulf Tourism Strategy.
“We affirm our continuous support to achieve further achievements and successes aspired by the leaders of the GCC countries,” the minister said.
Al-Khateeb underscored the significance of collective tourism endeavors in the region, in light of substantial forthcoming investments in large-scale tourism projects. He advocated for engaging initiatives and programs to optimize the attraction of international tourists.
Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s future goals, Al-Khateeb disclosed plans to channel $800 billion into urban and major tourist developments over the coming decade, aiming to advance the Saudi Vision 2030 with a target of 27 million international visitors by that year.
He noted that in the first nine months of 2023, tourists in Saudi Arabia injected SAR100 billion into the economy. The Kingdom achieved first place among G20 nations and second globally for growth in international tourist numbers, marking a significant 56% increase compared to 2019.
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia sets its sights on welcoming 150 million visitors by 2030, comprising 80 million domestic and 70 million international guests.
Al-Khateeb pointed out that these investments are expected to benefit the entire GCC, emphasizing the goal to boost the travel and tourism sector’s GDP contribution in GCC countries from the present 7.8% to 10%.
