GCC Tourism Surges, Adds Jobs and Boosts Economy
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations have witnessed a significant surge in tourism, with intra-GCC travel rising by 52.1 percent in 2024 compared to 2019. This growth has seen nearly 19.3 million tourists exploring the region, representing over a quarter of total international visitors.
The travel and tourism sector has been a significant driver of economic growth in the GCC. In 2024, it contributed a substantial $247.1 billion to the GCC economies, marking a 31.9 percent increase from 2019. This growth has also translated into job creation, with the sector adding $4.3 billion in value to jobs in the GCC last year, a nearly 25 percent increase from 2019. Looking ahead, the sector is expected to generate about 1.3 million new jobs in the GCC by 2034. By this time, the tourism industry in GCC countries is projected to represent nearly 13.3 percent of their combined GDP.
This growth in tourism has also been accompanied by an increase in the number of women in the tourism workforce. In 2024, women accounted for 13 percent of the tourism workforce in the GCC, a 73 percent increase over the past five years. Furthermore, the GCC has made significant strides in environmental conservation. Protected terrestrial and marine reserves now cover 19 percent of the GCC's total area, a 7.5 percent increase in just one year.
The GCC's tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience and growth, with intra-regional travel, economic contributions, and job creation all increasing significantly. As the GCC continues to invest in tourism and environmental conservation, the sector is expected to contribute even more significantly to the region's economy and job market by 2034.
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