Minister Al-Mutairi, tourism a key tool for economic growth and income diversification

The Minister of Information and Culture, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Chairman of the 9th Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Tourism in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, today, Monday, stressed that tourism has become an essential tool for supporting the economy and diversifying income sources. He underscored the urgent necessity of investing in this sector to fully capitalize on its potential.

In his speech during the meeting, Minister Al-Mutairi conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister. He also extended their best wishes for the success of the meeting, aiming to further strengthen joint Gulf cooperation and enhance its achievements.

Al-Mutairi stated that today’s meeting reflects a strong belief in the importance of coordinating efforts and unifying visions to strengthen the tourism sector, particularly in light of the global changes and challenges facing this vital industry. He added that tourism has evolved beyond being merely an economic activity; it has become a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, serving as a bridge for cultural exchange and fostering closer ties between nations.

Moreover, Al-Mutairi emphasized that with the advancement of digital technologies and shifts in traveler preferences, it is essential to develop innovative tourism experiences that enhance the sector’s competitiveness and attract tourists, both from within and outside the region. He explained that adopting digital transformation strategies, creating a supportive environment for tourism investment, and strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors are key factors contributing to the prosperity of Gulf tourism.

Al-Mutairi added that Gulf countries boast rich and diverse tourism assets that blend authentic heritage, ancient cultural legacies, unique natural landscapes, and modern infrastructure. From historic landmarks to luxurious tourist destinations, the Gulf region has the potential to attract visitors from all corners of the globe.

Furthermore, Al-Mutairi expressed his pride in the Gulf countries’ role in hosting and organizing numerous regional, continental, and international events, showcasing a level of creativity that reflects the region’s esteemed reputation and global prominence. He stated that we look forward to hosting more continental and international events, filled with anticipation for continued success and excellence in the future, God willing. The aim is to present a distinguished image of Gulf and Arab tourism, with a future that is unmistakably Gulf.

Al-Mutairi stated that today unified policies must be developed and strategies that strengthen Gulf tourism cooperation and maximize the use of available resources. Joint planning and integrated promotion of Gulf destinations as a single tourism system will play a crucial role in enhancing the Gulf’s position on the global tourism map.

Additionally, Al-Mutairi highlighted the importance of developing sustainable tourism programs that prioritize environmental preservation, cultural identity, and the active involvement of local communities in tourism development. He emphasized that ensuring the sustainability of the tourism sector requires this approach, adding that tourism is not just an industry, but a key factor in building societies and fostering cultural and historical awareness among people.

Al-Mutairi expressed his hopes for the success of the meeting, wishing that their efforts would be crowned with achieving the desired goals for the advancement of the Gulf tourism sector. He also extended his sincere gratitude to the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council and to everyone who contributed to organizing the meeting, ensuring its success.

In his speech at the meeting, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassim Al-Budaiwi, expressed his sincere gratitude to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Chairman of the current session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, for his noble directives and unwavering support for the progress of joint Gulf action. He also thanked the Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, for the warm hospitality and exceptional organization of the meeting.

Al-Budaiwi congratulated the State of Kuwait on the occasion of the 64th anniversary of its Independence Day and the 34th anniversary of Liberation Day. He also commended Kuwait for the outstanding success it achieved in hosting the (Gulf Zain 26) Championship, an accomplishment that illuminated the region’s skies and demonstrated to the world that the Gulf countries possess the will, creativity, and capability to organize the largest regional and international events.

What’s more is that Al-Budaiwi congratulated the State of Kuwait on winning the bid to host the Arab Capital of Culture and Media 2025, highlighting that this achievement reflects Kuwait’s prominent position, along with that of the GCC countries, in supporting culture and the arts while strengthening Arab identity.

The Minister of Information, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, extended his congratulations to Jassim Al-Budaiwi on his nomination as Chairman of the Regional Commission for the Middle East of the United Nations Tourism Organization for a two-year term.

He expressed his immense pride and appreciation for the remarkable achievements of the Gulf countries that continue to elevate their position on the international stage. He also congratulated the UAE on the selection of Al Ain as the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2025 and the renewal of the UAE’s membership in the Executive Council of the United Nations Tourism Organization for the period from 2025 to 2029.

Al-Budaiwi congratulated Bahrain on the resounding success in hosting the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2024, noting that the distinguished events organized by the capital led to an 18.5 percent increase in the number of tourists compared to 2023. This, he highlighted, reflects the positive impact of these initiatives on the tourism sector.

Al-Budaiwi also congratulated Saudi Arabia on its remarkable victory in securing the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup, emphasizing that this global achievement highlights the Kingdom’s excellence in sports and infrastructure, and solidifies its capability to organize the world’s largest sporting events with professionalism and distinction.

Al-Budaiwi also extended congratulations to Saudi Arabia for its significant achievement in securing the 2034 World Cup hosting rights. He emphasized that this victory showcases the Kingdom’s outstanding sports and infrastructure capabilities, reinforcing its ability to host the world’s largest sporting events with unmatched professionalism and excellence.

Al-Budaiwi congratulated Oman on the launch of its unified promotional identity, which is set to strengthen its position as a prominent tourist and investment destination both regionally and internationally. He also expressed congratulations to Qatar for the tremendous success in hosting the 51st meeting of the Regional Committee of the United Nations Tourism Organization for the Middle East, as well as the conference on “Sports Tourism and the Tourism Industry after the World Cup.”

Al-Budaiwi emphasized that the tourism sector in the GCC countries is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the visionary directives of the GCC leaders and the relentless efforts of the ministers. He noted that the results are now evident, as tourism statistics reflect impressive numbers and achievements that fill the people of the GCC with pride and joy.

Al-Budaiwi highlighted that the total number of international tourists visiting the GCC countries reached 68.1 million by 2023, marking a growth rate of 42.8 percent compared to 2019. This achievement represents 52.9 percent of the Gulf’s tourism targets for 2030.

Al-Budaiwi pointed out that tourism revenues reached $110.4 billion in 2023, reflecting a growth rate of 28.2 percent compared to 2019. This achievement exceeded expectations, with the GCC countries reaching 58.7 percent of their 2030 target of $188 billion.

Al-Budaiwi added that the Gulf countries’ market share has reached 5.2 percent of global tourism and 7.2 percent of international tourism revenues, reinforcing their position as a major hub in the global tourism landscape and contributing significantly to GDP growth.

Al-Budaiwi highlighted that the tourism sector made a substantial economic contribution of $223.4 billion to the GDP of GCC countries, with an impressive annual growth rate of 29.4 percent between 2022 and 2023. He also noted that the sector created 1.5 million jobs in 2023, reflecting a 17 percent growth compared to 2020.

Al-Budaiwi emphasized that these numbers are not merely statistics, but a success story shaped by the determination of the Gulf people, driven by visionary leadership and ambitious strategies.

Al-Budaiwi highlighted that the meeting agenda includes several key topics, such as projects related to the implementation of the Gulf Tourism Strategy (2023-2030) and future initiatives for joint promotion and unified policies, awaiting the meeting’s guidance on these matters.

Al-Budaiwi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the ministers for their support and approval of the General Secretariat’s proposal to organize a joint Gulf tourism event on the sidelines of next year’s World Economic Forum in Davos. This event aims to enhance and showcase the efforts of the Gulf countries in the tourism sector globally, highlighting their significant global status in this field.

The Kuwaiti delegation to the meeting was led by Dr. Nasser Muhaisen, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information.

Source: Al Qabas