A joint GCC action plan aimed at attracting more visitors and accelerating the recovery of the tourism sector across Gulf countries was discussed at a high-level meeting hosted by Bahrain yesterday.
Top tourism policymakers reviewed initiatives to strengthen the region’s presence in key international markets, as well as plans for the development of a GCC tourism data and indicators dashboard to support planning and decision-making.
These priorities were highlighted during the 10th meeting of the Committee of Ministers Responsible for Tourism in the GCC, chaired by Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi as part of Bahrain’s presidency of the 46th session of the GCC.
The minister highlighted the continued support of GCC leaders for advancing tourism co-operation and strengthening co-ordination and integration among member states to promote development and prosperity.
She said the meeting provided an opportunity to build on progress in GCC tourism co-operation, enhance the sector’s resilience and further strengthen the Gulf’s position as an integrated and competitive tourism destination at both regional and international levels.
Discussions also covered media initiatives, joint marketing campaigns, the exchange of expertise in tourism statistics and data, the unified tour guide licence, hotel classification guidelines, the selection of the GCC Tourism Capital for 2027, international co-operation, and the organisation of joint tourism events and activities.
Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa received the tourism ministers and heads of delegations participating in the meeting.
He affirmed that Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, regards security as a fundamental pillar of development across all sectors.
He noted that the security, stability and prosperity enjoyed by the GCC countries, supported by the visions of their leaders, have strengthened the region’s position as an attractive destination for family tourism from around the world.
Shaikh Khalid highlighted that the GCC countries’ shared values and heritage provide a solid foundation for advancing tourism integration and co-operation, enhancing the region’s ability to address challenges with flexibility and efficiency, supporting economic diversification and achieving comprehensive development goals.
He stressed the importance of joint initiatives aimed at facilitating the movement of tourists and visitors and enhancing the competitiveness of GCC countries as a tourism destination distinguished by its cultural, heritage and urban diversity.
He also commended the efforts of the GCC tourism ministries and authorities and the GCC Secretariat-General in translating shared visions and aspirations into practical programmes and integrated projects that support development.
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