Five stages for tourism improvement in GCC countries

In spite of the trouble of the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism is a significant long-term opportunity for the GCC countries and Egypt. If these countries present a organized plan for sustainable progress, they can develop their tourism sector quite quickly and establish themselves as a major force in the global tourism market.

The GCC and Egypt are aware of tourism’s important role in economic diversification, growth and job generation. The tourism sector contributed more than 10 percent of global GDP in 2019. A systematic approach to developing tourism over the long term needs a tourism journey traveling through five stages.

The first stage needs governments to define their national tourism visions and plans. The second stage requires successful governance. The third stage requires governments to locate which categories of tourists they want to attract, defined by their source markets and socio-demographic profiles.

The fourth stage is preparing the destination itself. This means improving the appeal of tourism products and experiences, and ascertaining that the destination is ready to welcome tourists.

The fifth stage would require connecting tourists to the country. The vision must translate into bookings and repeat visitors.

With governments following this systematic approach, they need to be aware of the importance of introducing digital components at every stage for making the journey durable for the future.

Once these five stages come into action, each country should regularly renew and review them to fortify its performance in domestic and international tourism.

Tags: GCC countries