Tourism revenue across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states increased by 9.7 percent to reach $131.9 billion in 2025, supported by a rise of 4.9 percent in international tourist arrivals to 75.7 million, according to the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.
Tourist movements within GCC countries recorded a 3.6 percent growth, reaching 20.1 million travelers in 2025. The hospitality sector expanded alongside demand with the number of hotel establishments climbing 4.8 percent to a total of 12,400 properties across the six-member GCC region.
Digital readiness drives tourism competitiveness
The 2025 Emerging Technologies Adoption Index showed GCC countries
scoring between 34 and 99 points, with three nations ranking among the world’s top 20 in adopting advanced technologies. Scores on the Mobile Application Development Index ranged from 60 to 77 points, reflecting substantial digital infrastructure available for tourism-related apps.
GCC governments also achieved between 56 and 99 points on the 2025 Government Online Services Index, with three states placing within the global top 25. These online services streamline travel-related processes, including accommodation arrangements, improving efficiency for visitors.
Advanced digital tools reshape tourist services
Data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital applications are increasingly used by tourism providers in the GCC to analyze visitor preferences, anticipate demand,
and deliver personalized services. These technologies contribute to improved destination management, resource optimization, and sustainable tourism development.
The Statistical Centre called for enhanced digital integration and the establishment of shared platforms that unify bookings, transport, events, and tourism information across the GCC, which could facilitate smoother travel and promote inter-country tourism.
Tourism’s role in economic diversification
Tourism growth in the GCC supports broader economic diversification by fostering sectors such as aviation, transport, hospitality, retail, and entertainment. The sector’s expansion underpins investment, job creation, and the development of non-oil economic activities within the region.
The Statistical Centre’s weekly bulletin, “Gulf Tourism in the Era of Smart
Transformation,” highlighted digital infrastructure and emerging technology adoption as key factors enhancing the GCC’s global tourism competitiveness.
