Jasem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has issued a warning that escalating military tensions in the region could severely impact tourism across GCC member states. The council, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, welcomed over 72 million tourists in 2024, generating close to $120 billion in revenue, the Gulf Statistical Center.
However, Albudaiwi highlighted that the current geopolitical situation might cause a significant drop in tourist numbers, potentially reducing visitors by 8 million to 19 million. This decline could translate into financial losses estimated between $13 billion and $32 billion. These concerns were raised during an extraordinary virtual meeting of GCC Tourism Ministers, chaired by Fatima Al Sairafi.
In his opening remarks, Albudaiwi described the meeting as taking place at a critical moment, noting that GCC countries are facing overt aggression from Iran. He stressed that the challenges confronting the region are not temporary setbacks but a serious test of the GCC’s ability to safeguard its achievements and maintain the stability and efficiency of key sectors. He called for moving beyond traditional coordination toward enhanced practical integration and proactive measures, emphasizing the tourism sector’s vital role in the region’s economic sustainability.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, addressed the gathering by reaffirming the Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to Gulf unity and regional cooperation. He underscored Saudi Arabia’s continued support for GCC countries in areas such as logistical coordination and air connectivity, which are crucial for maintaining regional stability and ensuring the steady flow of visitors and travelers across the member states.
