Tourism revenue across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries increased by 9.7 percent to reach $131.9 billion in 2025. The number of international tourists visiting the six GCC member states rose 4.9 percent to 75.7 million compared to 2024, according to data released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC-Stat).
Growth in Intra-GCC Travel and Hospitality Capacity
Tourist movements between GCC countries expanded by 3.6 percent to 20.1 million in 2025. The hospitality sector responded to increased demand with a 4.8 percent rise in the number of hotel establishments, reaching 12,400 properties. This growth in cross-border travel and
lodging infrastructure reflects heightened connectivity and tourism capacity across the Gulf region.
Tourism’s Role in GCC Economic Diversification
The tourism sector remains critical to the GCC’s diversification efforts beyond oil revenue. It supports a wide range of industries including aviation, transport, hospitality, retail, entertainment, and related services. This diversification contributes substantially to investment, employment, and the expansion of non-oil economic activities within the member states.
Digital Infrastructure and Technology Adoption in GCC Tourism
The GCC countries scored between 34 and 99 points on the 2025 Emerging Technologies Adoption Index, with three member states ranked among the world’s top 20 in this category. In the Mobile Application Development Index, the region’s scores ranged from 60
to 77 points, demonstrating strong digital infrastructure to support tourism-focused applications. The GCC also scored between 56 and 99 points on the 2025 Government Online Services Index, with three countries ranking among the global top 25.
Impact of Digital Government Services and AI on Tourism Growth
The GCC Statistical Centre noted that digital government services simplify travel-related procedures such as accommodation bookings and access to tourism activities, improving efficiency for visitors. The increased use of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital applications enables tourism providers to better understand visitor preferences, anticipate demand, deliver personalized services and enhance destination management. These technologies also promote sustainability and visitor satisfaction.
GCC-Stat highlighted the
importance of enhanced digital integration among member states. They recommend developing shared platforms to connect bookings, transport, events, and tourism information across the region. Such initiatives aim to facilitate smoother travel within GCC countries and improve access to the Gulf’s natural, cultural, heritage, and entertainment destinations.
The Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf published these findings in its weekly bulletin titled “Gulf Tourism in the Era of Smart Transformation.” The centre emphasized, “digital government services can simplify travel and improve efficiency for tourists,” underscoring the pivotal role of technology in expanding the competitiveness
of GCC tourism.
