The tourism sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region contributed an estimated $254.7 billion to the economy in 2025, marking an average annual growth rate of 7.3 percent since 2019. This performance outpaced the global tourism growth rate, which stood at 6.7 percent during the same period, according to Jassem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, the GCC secretary-general.

Al-Budaiwi made the remarks during the eighth Regional Workshop on Innovation in Tourism Statistics held on August 31 in Muscat, Oman. The two-day event, organized by the GCC Statistical Center, focused on enhancing tourism data collection and analysis methodologies. It aimed to emphasize the integration of multiple data sources, assess their suitability for statistical purposes, and promote best practices in data linkage, matching, calibration, and reconciliation to improve tourism statistics.

The sector’s robust expansion corresponds with significant progress toward the Gulf Tourism Strategy’s goals, with an average implementation rate of approximately 73.8 percent reported through 2025. The strategy has facilitated the advancement of various joint initiatives among the member states to boost tourism development and collaboration.

According to data presented at the workshop, GCC countries collectively welcomed about 757.7 million tourists in 2025. Inbound visitor expenditures reached an estimated $131.9 billion, underscoring the sector’s vital role in driving economic growth across the region.

The workshop highlighted the ongoing efforts by GCC countries to enhance the quality and availability of tourism data, which is considered crucial for informed policymaking and strategic planning in the face of evolving market dynamics. The event brought together policymakers, statisticians, and tourism officials to share experiences and discuss innovations aimed at strengthening the region’s tourism infrastructure and offerings.