MUSCAT: Tourism revenue across the Gulf Cooperation Council rose 9.7 per cent to about $131.9 billion in 2025, outpacing growth in visitor numbers and indicating higher average spending, according to GCC-Stat.
The number of tourists visiting GCC countries increased 4.9 per cent to about 75.7 million, with average revenue per international visitor reaching approximately $1,743.
More than 20 million tourists travelled between GCC countries during the year, an increase of 3.6 per cent from 2024, the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf said.
The figures were published in a bulletin titled “GCC Tourism in the Era of Smart Transformation”, released to mark World Tourism Day.
Tourism is projected to contribute around $365.7 billion to the GCC’s gross domestic product by 2035 and support 5.8 million jobs across the region, the bulletin said.
The stronger rise in revenue relative to visitor numbers indicated an improvement in the economic value generated by tourism and an increase in average visitor spending.
The number of hotel establishments across the GCC rose 4.8 per cent to around 12,400 in 2025, reflecting continued investment in accommodation and tourism services.
GCC-Stat said digital technology and artificial intelligence were moving regional tourism into a new phase based on data and innovation.
These technologies could improve visitor experiences, support decision-making, develop workforce skills and increase the efficiency and sustainability of destination management, it added.
All GCC countries scored at least 60 points on the mobile application development index, reflecting digital capabilities that could support the development of tourism applications and improve visitors’ access to information and services before, during and after their trips.
The bulletin said the future of Gulf tourism would depend not only on increasing visitor numbers and expanding hotel capacity but also on using data, artificial intelligence and digital applications to understand traveller preferences, forecast demand and personalise services.
It also highlighted the importance of integrating tourism data across GCC countries, developing shared digital platforms and connecting booking, transport and event services.
Such measures could help create a more cohesive Gulf tourism experience, increase the sector’s economic contribution and strengthen the region’s position in the global tourism market.
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