Doha:The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has seen its tourism sector's economic value rise significantly, reaching approximately $254.7 billion by 2025. This growth is part of the findings from a report on Strategic Tourism Ambition in GCC countries issued by the GCC Statistical Centre (GCC-Stat).
According to Qatar News Agency, the report highlights the creation of about 4.5 million jobs related to the tourism sector within GCC countries. This sector's contribution to GDP and employment has remained competitive compared to global averages, with the GCC making notable progress in achieving the Gulf Tourism Strategy's targets for 2022-2030.
The strategy aims to increase inbound trips, direct travel and tourism GDP, and tourist spending. By 2025, inbound visitors reached 89.9 million, 69.9% of the 2030 target, while inbound tourist spending rose to $131.9 billion, 70.2% of the 2030 goal. Domestic tourism saw spending of $42.9 billion, achieving 87.6% of the target.
Direct travel and tourism GDP within the GCC hit $101.7 billion in 2025, aligning with 69.8% of the 2030 target. The travel and tourism sector's GDP contribution rose to 4.6% in 2025, reaching 70.8% of the 2030 goal. Total direct employment reached 2.2 million jobs by 2025, 74.7% of the target.
These developments have bolstered the GCC's international presence, with the region accounting for 5% of total international tourism and 6.9% of global tourism receipts in 2025. Additionally, the GCC countries hold the top positions among Arab nations for passport strength as per the Henley Passport Index 2026, reflecting significant improvements over the past decade.