GCC states approve tourism recovery plan, back Saudi UN Tourism candidacy

MANAMA — Gulf Cooperation Council tourism ministers approved a joint tourism sector recovery plan and pledged full support for Saudi Arabia’s bid for re-election to the Executive Council of UN Tourism for the 2027–2031 term during their 10th meeting in Manama on Thursday.The ministers reviewed developments across the GCC tourism sector and said it had demonstrated strong resilience and an ability to recover from the effects of recent regional developments.They said the sector’s performance reflected the strength of the Gulf tourism ecosystem, infrastructure and services, while current indicators showed continued demand from international visitors and positive prospects for growth in the coming years.The ministers approved a tourism sector recovery plan comprising a series of initiatives aimed at restoring momentum across GCC tourism markets.They also agreed to accelerate joint tourism projects, strengthen regional promotional and marketing efforts, support intra-GCC tourism and improve the sector’s global competitiveness.The meeting highlighted major tourism projects, international events and growing investment in tourism, culture, entertainment and sports as key drivers of future growth, alongside expanded air connectivity and measures facilitating travel and mobility.The ministers said security and stability, advanced regulatory frameworks and world-class infrastructure across GCC states provide a foundation for sustainable tourism development and reinforce confidence among visitors and investors.They also stressed the importance of further developing joint tourism programs and products, coordinating media efforts and improving tourism data and statistics, while supporting innovation, digital transformation and human-capacity development.The ministers welcomed Saudi Arabia’s request for re-nomination to the Executive Council of UN Tourism for the 2027–2031 period and expressed the GCC states’ full support for the Kingdom’s candidacy representing the Middle East region.They cited Saudi Arabia’s role in developing the tourism sector, strengthening international tourism cooperation and supporting the work and objectives of UN Tourism.The ministers concluded by reaffirming their commitment to greater GCC tourism integration and to building a more competitive and sustainable sector capable of contributing to economic diversification and the development strategies of member states.