Tourism revenue in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region increased by 9.7 percent year-on-year to $131.9 billion in the 2025 fiscal year, while international tourist arrivals across the six member countries climbed to 75.7 million, marking a 4.9 percent rise from 2024, according to the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.
Intra-GCC travel showed growth with tourist movements between member countries reaching 20.1 million, up 3.6 percent compared to the previous year. The hospitality sector expanded as the number of hotel establishments rose by 4.8 percent to reach 12,400, supporting increased accommodation capacity
throughout the region.
Digital Infrastructure and Technology Adoption
The GCC tourism sector’s digital readiness improved, with member states scoring between 34 and 99 points on the 2025 Emerging Technologies Adoption Index. Notably, three GCC countries ranked among the world’s top 20 performers on this index. On the 2025 Mobile Application Development Index, scores ranged from 60 to 77 points, facilitating better access to tourism-related apps and services.
The GCC region also scored between 56 and 99 points on the 2025 Government Online Services Index, where three countries were placed within the top 25 globally. Digital government services streamlined travel-related processes, accommodations, and access to tourism
activities, enhancing efficiency for visitors.
Tourism’s Role in Economic Diversification
The tourism sector continues to contribute to the GCC economies’ diversification strategies, reducing reliance on oil revenues. It supports industries including aviation, transport, hospitality, retail, and entertainment. The sector’s growth promotes job creation, investment opportunities, and expands non-oil economic activity across the region.
Technology and Data Driving Tourism Growth
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics are increasingly integrated within the GCC tourism sector. These enable providers to analyze visitor preferences, forecast demand, and deliver more tailored services. Improved destination management through digital tools enhances sustainability and visitor satisfaction.
The GCC Statistical Centre underlined the importance of digital integration
across member countries, proposing shared platforms to connect bookings, transport, events, and tourism information. Such initiatives aim to facilitate regional travel and improve access to natural, cultural, heritage, and entertainment attractions.
“Gulf Tourism in the Era of Smart Transformation,” the GCC Statistical Center’s weekly bulletin, highlights the synergy between technology adoption and tourism competitiveness in the Gulf.
