GCC travel, tourism sector contributes RO95bn to GDP
By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Muscat – The travel and tourism sector's contribution to the Gulf region's Gross domestic Product (GDP) reached an estimated RO95bn (US$247.1bn) by the end of 2024, accounting for approximately 11.4% of the region's total GDP.
According to the latest data from the GCC Statistical Center, the sector has seen robust recovery and growth, with its contribution rising by nearly 31.9% compared to 2019 levels. The report also noted that the sector's share of the GCC's GDP in relation to the global GDP stood at 2.2% in 2024.
Looking ahead, the travel and tourism sector in the Gulf is poised for continued expansion. By 2034, its contribution is projected to climb to 13.3%, or approximately RO142.8bn (US$371.2bn). The average annual growth rate over the 2024–2034 period is expected to exceed 4.2%. Intra-GCC tourism has also witnessed significant momentum. Between 2019 and 2023, the average annual growth in the number of tourists traveling between GCC countries surged by 41.5%, making up 26.5% of all international tourist
arrivals to the region in 2023.
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