Albudaiwi: Tourist inflow into GCC states expected to fall by up to 19 million with maximum revenue losses of $32 billion ...Saudi Arabia

RIYADH — Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi said that the current military escalation in the region might lead to a huge fall in the number of tourists arriving in the GCC states. “The statistical report from the Gulf Statistical Center for 2024 showed that the GCC countries received more than 72 million tourists, generating revenues of nearly $120 billion, during the year. However, given the military escalation in the region, a decline in tourist numbers is expected, ranging between 8 million and 19 million, with potential losses in tourism revenues ranging between $13 billion and $32 billion,” he said while addressing the extraordinary meeting of the Committee of the GCC Ministers of Tourism, held on Tuesday via video conference. The meeting was chaired by Bahraini Minister of Tourism Fatima Al Sairafi, who is also president of the current session, with the participation of the GCC ministers of tourism. In his opening speech, Albudaiwi stated that today's extraordinary meeting is being held at a critical juncture, as the GCC countries are targeted by a blatant Iranian aggression. “The escalating challenges facing our countries are no longer a passing circumstance, but rather a true test of our ability to protect our achievements and ensure the continued efficiency and stability of our vital sectors. This escalation necessitates that we all move from traditional coordination to a higher level of practical integration and proactive response, given that the tourism sector in the GCC countries is a fundamental pillar for achieving economic sustainability,” he said. Albudaiwi emphasized that the GCC countries have successfully established themselves as global tourist destinations, making this sector one of the fastest-growing and most significant contributors to the diversification of their economies. “The developments we are witnessing today have cast a shadow over the vital tourism sector, impacting travel patterns, the pace of tourism activity and the stability of related markets. This requires us to strengthen coordination and integration, and intensify joint efforts to ensure the sustainable growth of this sector, preserve its achievements, and enhance its ability to face future challenges,” he underlined.The GCC secretary general also pointed out that experience has proven that the GCC countries are capable of overcoming all crises and challenges efficiently and effectively, relying on their close ties and effective integration across all fields. He emphasized that this approach has contributed to strengthening the GCC countries’ ability to contain challenges, maintain their stability and ensure the efficient and effective continuity of all vital sectors, reflecting the strength and effectiveness of joint Gulf action in various circumstances. Albudaiwi highlighted that the meeting of the Committee of the GCC Ministers of Tourism embodies a deep understanding of the nature of these challenges, through discussing the current situation and anticipating its dimensions and effects on the tourism sector, and working collectively to develop the best ways to deal with it, whether in the short or long term. “This is aimed to ensure the restoration of tourism momentum and enhance its sustainability, unify media messages, and adopt joint initiatives that restore confidence to tourism markets, as well as to confirm that the GCC region is still a safe and attractive destination,” he added. Addressing the meeting, Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb affirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to Gulf unity and the integration of regional efforts. He emphasized Saudi Arabia’s ongoing support for GCC countries in several related areas, including logistical coordination and air connectivity, saying that this contributes to regional stability and the continued flow of visitors and travelers. "The Kingdom remains committed to close cooperation with our brothers in the GCC countries, within an approach based on continuous coordination and joint action. We continue to support Gulf efforts aimed at maintaining the stability of the tourism sector, enhancing its readiness, and strengthening confidence in the region during this current phase,” he said.The meeting addressed the repercussions of current developments in the region on the tourism sector and coordinated joint Gulf response to support the sector's stability, enhance confidence, and ensure the continuity of tourism activity.The meeting emphasized a shared commitment from the GCC countries to intensify coordination and collective action to address current challenges, thereby bolstering visitor and investor confidence, supporting the sector's continuity, and enhancing the readiness of Gulf tourist destinations to cope with emerging developments. United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary General Sheikha Al-Nowais also attended the meeting that discussed ways to enhance cooperation and support a rapid recovery of this vital sector.It is worthy to note that the Saudi tourism sector has demonstrated resilience and adaptability to current regional developments, supported by a vibrant market and a significant increase in domestic tourism. This underscores the Saudi tourism market's ability to adapt to regional changes, highlighting the Kingdom's role as a key supporter of stability in the region's tourism sector.

Hence then, the article about albudaiwi tourist inflow into gcc states expected to fall by up to 19 million with maximum revenue losses of 32 billion was published today ( Tuesday 07/04/2026 - 08:56 PM ) and is available on ٍٍٍSaudi Gazette ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.

Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Albudaiwi: Tourist inflow into GCC states expected to fall by up to 19 million with maximum revenue losses of $32 billion )

Last updated : 07 April 2026 clock 08:56 PM

Also on site :

Albudaiwi: Tourist inflow into GCC states expected to fall by up to 19 million with maximum revenue losses of $32 billion ...Saudi Arabia

Five dead, five injured after Amazon cargo plane overshoots Miami runway

China piles pressure on Taiwan with new patrols off Pacific coast

Auto retail sales hit record in Aug at 2.42 mn units, rise 18%: Fada

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s WFAC, Creativeland Take ‘Krishnavataram’ Global (EXCLUSIVE)

Ten killed and dozens injured in Mexico fireworks blast

Iran plans to announce new & 039;exclusion zone& 039; near Strait of Hormuz

How did Shubman Gill perform on his Sher-e-Punjab T20 League debut?

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelensky predicts another winter at war despite ‘substantive talks’ with Trump envoys

Abhishek Sharma’s Test selection process begins after Suresh Raina’s call

Shohei Ohtani Not Likely To Pitch Again In 2026

ARIA Award for Best Music Festival Returns for Second Year

Eightco Holdings (NASDAQ : ORBS) annonce un actif total d'environ 380 millions de dollars, comprenant notamment OpenAI, Beast Industries, plus de 16 000 jetons ETH et près de 302 millions de jetons WLD

Roman man’s tribute to beloved pet cat and dog found in 1,800-year-old mosaic

English Open 2026 snooker order of play today (Monday 7 September)

APOD: 2026 September 7 – The Pelican Nebula in Gas, Dust, and Stars