ShareKUWAIT: Undersecretaries responsible for tourism in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries held a preparatory meeting on Sunday for the ninth meeting of ministers responsible for tourism in the GCC countries in Kuwait on Monday, headed by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information Dr Nasser Muhaisen.
Dr Muhaisen said in his speech that this meeting reflects the depth of brotherly relations and close cooperation between the GCC countries in the field of tourism, a vital sector that represents a fundamental pillar in the economic development process of our countries. It also serves as an affirmation of our joint commitment to continue working toward enhancing tourism integration between the GCC countries and developing programs and initiatives that would highlight the rich tourism components abundant in our region.
He added that the GCC countries have witnessed remarkable development in the tourism sector in recent years, thanks to supportive policies and qualitative projects that have contributed to diversifying the tourism product and enhancing the region’s position as an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world. He pointed out that, from this standpoint, Monday’s meeting represents an important opportunity to continue this work and discuss means of joint cooperation, exchanging visions and ideas on the challenges and opportunities facing the tourism sector.
Dr Muhaisen expressed confidence that the deliberations will yield constructive recommendations and initiatives that “contribute to achieving our common aspirations for a more prosperous and competitive tourism sector,” hoping that this meeting will continue its effective role in supporting efforts aimed at realizing the vision of the GCC countries in this field.
In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) and Kuwait TV, Dr Muhaisen said the meeting of tourism agents in the GCC countries, coinciding with Kuwait hosting the Arab Capital of Culture and Media 2025, is an introduction and preparation for the meeting of the Gulf Tourism Ministers which will be presided over by Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi.
He explained that the meeting addressed a number of topics, most notably the exchange of expertise between the GCC countries in the field of tourism, economic growth, activating tourism between the GCC countries, and creating a shared guide for hotel classification among the GCC countries to unify hotel standards and the level of hotel service. He added that the meeting also tackled the issue of finding a tourist guide license that permits working as a guide for tourists visiting any of the GCC countries, especially in special places concerning antiquities, museums and archaeological sites.
He stated that among the points discussed were international cooperation in the field of tourism and how to invest in this cooperation with neighboring countries, as well as activating inter-tourism between the GCC nations and their neighbors. He added that the joint events held and the mechanisms for finding tourist means to attract Gulf tourists to enhance inter-tourism were also addressed.
For his part, the Head of the Human and Environmental Affairs Sector at the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council, Eng Abdullah Al-Rubaie, stated in his speech at the meeting that the tourism sector in the Gulf region is not only a promising sector but also a significant supporter of sustainable development that pulsates with unique capabilities, combining cultural and geographical diversity that is unparalleled. “Your joint efforts have led to notable accomplishments, showcasing the extent of the latent potential our countries possess.”
Al- Rubaie mentioned that in 2023, the number of international tourists attracted by the GCC countries reached 68 million, with “27 percent of them stemming from intra-tourism between our Gulf nations, reflecting the extent of our interconnectedness and our ability to enhance regional integration.” He pointed out that “the Gulf tourism strategy has achieved impressive figures that represent significant milestones of success, as we have nearly reached 53 percent of our target of attaining 128 million international tourists by 2030, an achievement that showcases our progress along the right path.”
He noted that tourist spending in the GCC exceeded $110 billion in 2023, which is nearly 59 percent of the target of tourism spending for 2030, amounting to $188 billion. He emphasized that these figures are evidence of the vitality of this sector and its ability to contribute effectively to diversifying sources of income and enhancing economic growth.
Al- Rubaie stated that this meeting serves as a valuable opportunity to build on these achievements and formulate a renewed vision that propels Gulf tourism toward broader horizons. The Kuwaiti delegation participating in the meeting was headed by the Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Tourism Sector at the Ministry of Information, Osama Al-Makhial, and was attended by the undersecretaries responsible for tourism in the GCC countries. — KUNA
