By Mohamed Elshazly
Tourism and Destination Development Expert
How do we encourage travellers to choose Kuwait when planning their next holiday? What experiences can we offer that will inspire them to dedicate their time and budget to visiting our country?
These are questions I have been reflecting on throughout my years of working in tourism, and they have become even more relevant following my recent participation in the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
I believe that putting Kuwait on the global tourism map requires us to move beyond promoting attractions and focus on creating compelling reasons to visit. We need to understand what travellers are looking for, develop experiences that reflect Kuwait’s identity, and make those experiences easy to discover, plan and book.
This is why I have been exploring the idea of moving from “Visit Kuwait” to “Book Kuwait.” The question is not simply how we attract attention to Kuwait, but how we convert that interest into clearly defined travel experiences that visitors can book and enjoy.
Inspiration from the ground
I would like to acknowledge Walid Amer, a young Egyptian resident of Kuwait who organises and conducts sightseeing tours for international visitors transiting through the country. His work helps travellers discover Kuwait’s attractions even when they have only a few hours available.
Although I have worked in tourism for years, Walid’s persistence, determination and continued efforts have inspired me to apply my own experience and vision to developing tourism opportunities in Kuwait.
His initiative demonstrates that even a short transit can become an opportunity to introduce visitors to the country. It also raises an important question: if we can encourage travellers to explore Kuwait during a brief stopover, how can we persuade them to return for a longer holiday?
I believe the answer lies in creating distinctive experiences that give visitors a reason to stay longer and something memorable to take home with them.
Creating experiences that reflect Kuwait’s identity
When I think about Kuwait’s tourism potential, I see an opportunity to connect its heritage, culture, modern attractions and everyday life through carefully designed itineraries.
I envisage tours that bring together Kuwait Towers, the Grand Mosque, Sadu House, Souq Al-Mubarakiya, the Fish Market and traditional dhow harbour, along with views of Seif Palace, the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre and the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Causeway.
Our cultural offering could extend to the Kuwait National Museum, Bait Al-Othman Museum, Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah, the Mirror House and the Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre. Al Shaheed Park and The Scientific Center could add further opportunities for leisure, education and family activities. Shopping and dining experiences at The Avenues, 360 Mall and Marina Mall could complement these itineraries, offering visitors a taste of contemporary Kuwait alongside its traditions.
However, I believe the real value lies in how we bring these places to life. Visitors should not simply move from one attraction to another. They should hear the stories behind Kuwait’s maritime and trading heritage, discover the traditions of Sadu weaving, taste Kuwaiti cuisine, experience the atmosphere of Al-Mubarakiya and meet the people who give the country its character.
These are the details that transform sightseeing into an experience and give travellers memories they want to share. I see the sea as a central element of Kuwait’s tourism identity. Our maritime heritage, coastal attractions and islands offer opportunities to develop experiences that could appeal to families, adventure seekers and visitors looking for something different.
Failaka Island, with its historical significance, could form part of heritage-focused excursions, while Al Khiran’s chalets, resorts and waterways offer opportunities for leisure breaks.
I also see potential for organised boat and yacht excursions to Kubbar, Qaruh and Umm Al-Maradim islands, subject to the necessary permissions, operational feasibility and environmental considerations.
With the right partners, these programmes could include boating, snorkelling, scuba diving, water sports and other marine activities, carefully planned around the season, sea conditions and safety requirements.
My ambition is to connect these experiences with accommodation, transportation and dining so that visitors can book a complete holiday rather than having to arrange each element separately.
I also believe that Kuwait’s desert landscapes deserve a stronger place in our tourism offering. Seasonal programmes in Al Mutlaa and Kabd could feature camping, camel farm visits and traditional hospitality, allowing visitors to experience a different side of the country.
Imagine a holiday that combines the city’s cultural attractions, a day by the sea and an evening in the desert. By connecting these experiences, we can offer visitors a more complete picture of Kuwait.
Events that give travellers a reason to plan their visit
I believe that tourism is not only about the places we have; it is also about the experiences we create around them. Kuwait has an opportunity to develop events and tourism seasons that encourage traveller
