The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) showcased their touristic highlights, including culture, heritage and natural diversity, at the Arabian Travel Market, which is being held in Dubai.
The pavilions of the Gulf countries and cities attracted the largest rate of visitors and businessmen who are looking for investment opportunities to take advantage of the tourism boom in the GCC.
In remarks on the occasion, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said: “Tourism is a key sector that brings significant investment and generates exceptional economic value.”
He added: “Dubai’s top ranking in various international tourism industry indices reflects its emergence as one of the world’s leading destinations for travel, leisure and business. Consistent with Dubai’s ethos of collaboration, we have established robust cooperation with leading private sector players to ensure the highest global benchmarks of quality. We will continue to create a conducive environment for all stakeholders to contribute to the rapid growth of our tourism industry.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid noted that tourist spending in 2022 increased by 70 percent, to reach 121 billion dirhams ($32.9 billion).
“We announced a target to reach 40 million tourists within seven years, and raise the contribution of the tourism sector to the gross domestic product to 450 billion dirhams ($122.5 billion),” he said.
Saudi Arabia presented its many promising destinations, starting with Riyadh, as a hub for finance, business, culture and heritage.
Fahad Hamidaddin, CEO and member of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “Today, Saudi Arabia is the number one investor in the world in the field of tourism, and a first and ideal destination for major investors in the sector from all over the world.”
Saudi Arabia has allocated more than $550 billion for major projects and new destinations to be opened by 2030.
Tourism in the Kingdom recorded an accelerated growth of 121 percent, compared to the growth rates of international tourism in the pre-pandemic period.
