The chairman of Qatar Tourism, HE Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, emphasized the need to enhance the resilience and integration of the Gulf tourism sector during the 10th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Meeting for Tourism Officials held on Thursday in Manama, Bahrain. Al Kharji called for a transition from cooperation to a more unified and competitive regional tourism approach.

Among the key initiatives discussed were the development of joint tourism packages, the swift implementation of a unified GCC tourism visa, and the expansion of coordinated promotional campaigns targeting priority global markets. These measures aim to facilitate visitor movement within the Gulf and position the GCC states as a cohesive global tourism destination.

Al Kharji also highlighted the significance of Doha’s designation as the Capital of Gulf Tourism for 2026. He described this honor as an opportunity to deepen integration among Gulf countries and to showcase their shared cultural and tourism heritage.

Additionally, Qatar reiterated its support for Saudi Arabia’s bid for a seat on the Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), underscoring the Gulf’s ambition to strengthen its influence in international tourism forums. Qatar also backs the nomination of Oman’s Jabal Akhdar region as the Capital of Gulf Tourism for 2027, further reflecting efforts to foster coordinated development and regional cooperation in the sector.

The meeting served as a platform to advance collective strategies aimed at reinforcing the Gulf’s tourism industry amid evolving global challenges and opportunities.