The introduction of a unified tourist visa by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is poised to significantly influence the travel industry within Saudi Arabia as well as across the neighboring region. This sentiment was expressed by a high-ranking official within the Saudi government.
Distinguished figures, including Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb, were present at the eighth assembly of the GCC tourism ministers, which was convened in Doha. The assembly’s discourse revolved around enhancing the collaboration for the implementation of the unified tourist visa for the member states.
Al Khateeb lauded the GCC Supreme Council’s decision to approve the unified visa initiative, highlighting how it underscores the member countries’ dedication to augmenting tourism cooperatively. He asserted that this move will notably elevate the Gulf’s profile as a preeminent global tourist hub.
The minister praised the strides made in enacting the Gulf Tourism Strategy and underscored the necessity of maintaining momentum to realize the initiatives and programs outlined within the strategy.
Al Khateeb sketched an ambitious future for Saudi tourism, disclosing that over the next decade, the Kingdom plans to channel investments amounting to $800 billion into developing cities and prime tourist attractions.
He underscored the pivotal role of tourism in the economic landscape, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to draw 27 million international visitors by the end of the decade.
In a remarkable feat, during the initial three quarters of 2023, tourists in the Kingdom contributed to the economy by spending approximately SR100 billion ($26.7 billion).
With a 56 percent surge in the number of international tourists in 2023 compared to 2019, the Kingdom not only topped the G20 nations but also secured the second spot globally for tourism growth.
Looking ahead to 2030, the Kingdom’s vision includes welcoming a staggering 150 million visitors, split between 80 million domestic and 70 million international tourists, as per Al Khateeb’s statement.
The minister emphasized that the windfall from these investments would ripple positively throughout the GCC countries.
He urged for an increase in the travel and tourism sector’s share of the GDP in Gulf countries, aiming to elevate it from the present 7.8 percent to 10 percent.
Al Khateeb highlighted the vital nature of collective tourism efforts in the Gulf, especially in light of the impending investments in large-scale tourism projects. He advocated for the activation of various initiatives, programs, and activities designed to maximize the inflow of international visitors.
Concluding his address, the minister reaffirmed unwavering support for achieving the collective aspirations and triumphs envisioned by the leaders of the GCC nations.