The GCC is picking up a stronger position to become a world-class global tourism hub backed by competitive advantages that attract international travelers looking for new tourism experiences, as indicated by a report released by Orient Planet Research, an Orient Planet Group venture. The report featured that the GCC recorded 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals in 2018, up by 6 per cent from the previous year, which affirms the effective endeavors of the UAE, Kingdom of Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman in establishing greater presence on the regional and global tourism map.

As per the report, the UAE receives more than 10 million visitors every year with Abu Dhabi and Dubai as among the most alluring places to visit for tourists, while Sharjah is quickly increasing its tourism appeal, having attracted 1.7 million visitors in 2017.

On the other hand, many tourists from the region spend more time traveling to popular destinations worldwide. Arab airline companies have significantly contributed to international travel and tourism by connecting various global destinations.

Nidal Abou Zaki, Managing Director, Orient Planet Group, stated: The regional tourism sector is witnessing rapid development to meet the growing demand of international travelers. Tourism entities have been developing a wide range of options that cater to various types of visitors. Some of these activities include health tourism, cultural events, entertainment, heritage, eco-tourism, music festivals, which reflect the richness of the Arabian Gulfs natural, historical, and cultural heritage. GCC countries have been continuously promoting attractive tourism elements in line with their ambitious drive to diversify the economy, which is evident in the results of our report. It confirms the success of their efforts to bring the tourism sector to a new level of growth and competitiveness."

GCC countries have embarked on strategic plans to diversify their touristic offerings and have initiated huge investments during the last 10 years to improve, expand and modernize their infrastructure.
The Oman Ministry of Tourisms Tourism Strategy 2040 intends to attract 11.7 million travelers by 2040, in which 5 million of them are leisure and business visitors. The country is also exploring its potentials in providing services in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector. Oman enjoys direct connection with the world's leading destinations through direct flights introduced by Oman Air and Salam Air to and from the new Muscat International Airport.

On the other hand, Saudi Arabia has numerous tourism projects in the pipeline worth USD 11.6 billion. In February 2019, the Kingdom unveiled major tourism initiatives, including a world-class resort and a nature reserve in the ancient city of Al-Ula in a bid to make it a global tourist destination. To meet the Saudi Vision by 2030, the Kingdom looks to invest up to USD 64 billion to develop cultural, leisure and entertainment projects.

Bahrain, for its part, is relied upon to complete its new international exhibition center in Sakhir by 2021, which will be 10 times bigger than its present size once finished. Kuwait as well is on track with its key tourism initiatives led by the ongoing development of five islands, which have an investment value of up to USD 160 billion. Investments focused on travel and tourism are expected to reach up to USD 1 billion by 2027, the World Travel and Tourism Council has revealed.

The report additionally emphasized the need to fortify regulatory and legal frameworks governing the tourism industry to drive the growth of this vital sector as an essential source of growth and economic diversification, and a key pillar for improving the quality of life in the region.