Stemming from the keenness of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to strengthen joint GCC action and consolidate the region’s position as a leading global tourism destination, Their Excellencies the Ministers Responsible for Tourism in the GCC states held their 10th meeting in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, on September 10, 2026.
The Ministers reviewed the latest developments in the GCC tourism sector, affirming the high level of resilience it has demonstrated and its ability to recover from the effects of recent regional developments and adapt to the challenges associated with them, reflecting the strength of the GCC tourism ecosystem and the efficiency of the tourism infrastructure and services in the Cooperation Council states.
They also discussed the latest developments in the implementation of joint GCC tourism initiatives and projects, ways to enhance tourism integration, develop joint promotional and marketing efforts, support intra-GCC tourism, and raise the competitiveness of the GCC tourism sector, in a manner that contributes to achieving SDGs and diversifying the national economies of the GCC states.
Resilience of the GCC Tourism Sector and Prospects for Growth
The Ministers affirmed that the GCC tourism sector enjoys a high level of resilience and a growing ability to address regional and international challenges and developments, supported by diverse tourism offerings, advanced infrastructure, quality investments, and an environment conducive to growth and sustainability.
They noted that current indicators reflect the continued attractiveness of the GCC states to visitors from around the world, with positive expectations for continued growth in the coming years, supported by major tourism projects, international events, and growing investments in the tourism, culture, entertainment and sports sectors, in addition to the expansion of air connectivity and the facilitation of travel and mobility procedures.
Enhancing GCC Tourism Readiness and Integration
The Ministers stressed that the security and stability enjoyed by the GCC states, together with their advanced legislative and regulatory frameworks and world-class infrastructure, constitute a solid foundation for enhancing the sustainability of tourism development and increasing the confidence of investors and visitors.
They also explained that the GCC tourism ecosystem is based on an integrated network of airports, airlines and advanced tourism facilities, in addition to the hosting and organisation of major events, conferences and global gatherings, which enhances the readiness of the sector and its ability to keep pace with various developments.
The Ministers commended the efforts exerted by the tourism authorities in the GCC states, in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the GCC, to enhance joint coordination, exchange information and expertise, and follow up on the latest developments in the sector, stressing that these efforts have contributed to strengthening the resilience of the GCC tourism sector, maintaining the confidence of visitors and investors, and sustaining its growth.
Joint Promotion and Development of GCC Initiatives
The Ministers affirmed the importance of continuing coordination and integration among the tourism authorities in the GCC states, in cooperation with the General Secretariat, in a way that bolsters the efficiency of joint efforts and consolidates the position of the Cooperation Council states on the global tourism map. In this regard, they approved the tourism sector recovery plan, which includes a number of initiatives that would contribute to restoring momentum to the tourism sector in the GCC states.
In this context, they commended the progress achieved in a number of joint initiatives and projects, and agreed to continue working to accelerate the implementation of relevant priorities and projects, in a manner that supports the recovery of the tourism sector and enhances its growth and sustainability.
They also underlined the importance of continuing coordination in the areas of supporting the tourism sector, elevating joint tourism promotion, developing tourism programmes and products, coordinating media efforts, and advancing the tourism data and statistics system, in addition to supporting innovation, digital transformation and human capacity development, in a manner that keeps pace with requirements and developments and enhances tourism integration among the GCC states.
Supporting the Re-Nomination of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Membership of the Executive Council of UN Tourism
Their Excellencies the Ministers Responsible for Tourism in the GCC states welcomed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s submission of its request for re-nomination for membership of the Executive Council of United Nations Tourism for the period 2027–2031. They underscored the full support of the GCC states for this candidacy for the Middle East region, in appreciation of the pivotal role played by the Kingdom in developing the tourism sector, bolstering international cooperation in the field of tourism, and its active contributions to supporting the work of the Organisation and achieving its objectives.
Conclusion
The Ministers renewed their affirmation of the significance of continuing joint action to enhance GCC tourism integration and build a more competitive and sustainable sector that contributes effectively to diversifying national economies and achieving the targets of the visions and development strategies of the GCC states.
They also affirmed their confidence in the ability of the GCC states to address regional and international challenges and developments and mitigate their impact on the tourism sector, supported by their solid economic and tourism fundamentals, advanced infrastructure, and the levels of security, stability and integration they enjoy, asserting that this further cements the confidence of visitors and investors and consolidates the region’s position as a leading global tourism destination.