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The travel and tourism sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries contributed approximately $247.1bn to the region’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, marking a 31.9 per cent increase compared to 2019, according to the GCC Statistical Centre (GCC STAT).
This growth underscores the sector’s expanding role as a key driver of economic, social, and environmental development across the Gulf.
The report titled Tourism in the GCC: A Gateway to Development and Sustainable Transformation, released on World Tourism Day, projects that the sector’s share of the GCC GDP will rise to 13.3 per cent by 2034, equating to $371.2bn.
This anticipated growth highlights tourism’s increasing importance in the region’s economic landscape.
The sector also plays a significant role in job creation. In 2024, its contribution to employment was valued at $4.3bn, up 24.9 per cent from 2019.
GCC tourism sector to create 1.3 million jobs by 2034
By 2034, the industry is expected to generate around 1.3 million new jobs, reflecting its potential to further bolster employment opportunities in the region.
Tourism’s impact extends to social empowerment, particularly for women and youth. Women accounted for 13 per cent of the sector’s workforce in 2024, marking a 73.2 per cent increase since 2019.
This growth signifies progress in enhancing gender diversity within the tourism industry.
Environmental sustainability is also a focal point, with GCC countries expanding their natural reserves. Protected terrestrial and marine areas now constitute 19 per cent of the region’s total territory as of 2023, a 7.5 per cent increase from the previous year.
This expansion reflects the region’s commitment to preserving natural resources and promoting eco-tourism.
Intra-GCC tourism has seen a significant uptick, with 19.3 million travellers within the region in 2024, a 52.1 per cent increase from 2019.
These trips accounted for 26.7 per cent of all international tourist arrivals in the GCC, highlighting the growing trend of regional travel.
The data from GCC Stat refelcts the vibrant growth of the tourism sector, positioning it as a pivotal element in the region’s economic diversification and sustainable development strategies.
