Details of the Visa
- The Minister highlighted that this visa is a strategic effort to simplify travel logistics and boost tourism across the GCC states. He expressed optimism about the ‘GCC Grand Tours’ visa, emphasizing that it is designed to extend tourists’ stay beyond 30 days, enhancing their travel experience across the GCC.
Benefits to Tourism and Economy
- According to Minister Al Marri, the new visa system will make travel within the GCC more convenient and cost-effective for tourists. This ease of access is expected to increase tourist activity and, consequently, boost employment opportunities within the region. The GCC states had reached a consensus on this Unified Gulf Tourist Visa in November of the previous year, though the exact date of its implementation remains undecided.
Economic Contributions of Tourism
- The Minister also shared insights into the economic impact of tourism on the GCC. He noted that in 2021, international spending accounted for 35% of the market share within the GCC, contributing a substantial $109 billion to the total GDP of the GCC economies. This significant figure underscores tourism’s pivotal role in economic development and recovery.
Performance of the UAE’s Tourism Sector
- Additionally, Al Marri remarked on the performance of the UAE’s tourism sector, which has exceeded expectations in 2023. This positive trend highlights the sector’s robust growth and its critical contribution to the broader economic landscape.
