Yesterday, the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened in the Qatari capital, Doha, and made a significant decision that is set to transform tourism in the region. The council approved the unified Gulf tourist visa, which will grant entry to all six GCC countries, as reported by Al-Qabas Daily.
Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khatib, the Saudi Minister of Tourism, announced the approval of the unified tourist visa, highlighting the GCC Council’s instruction to the Ministers of Interior to take the necessary measures for its implementation. Al-Khatib described this decision as a historic step, demonstrating the GCC’s commitment to strengthening cooperation and deepening ties in tourism and other fields.
The adoption of the unified Gulf tourist visa aligns with the ongoing development and progress experienced by the GCC countries in various sectors. This new visa will facilitate the movement of tourists and visitors between member states, boosting the role of tourism as a driver of economic growth and creating new investment opportunities in the tourism sector for each country.
The Saudi Ministry of Tourism emphasized its commitment to closely cooperate with its counterparts in other GCC countries to ensure the smooth implementation and coordination of this initiative, serving the tourism and economic sectors in the region. This milestone follows the adoption of the Gulf Strategy for Tourism during a meeting of the GCC tourism ministers in Al-Ula in November of last year.
The unified Gulf tourist visa was one of the significant outcomes of this strategy, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia playing a leading role in establishing the necessary legislative framework to strengthen collaborative efforts in the tourism field across the GCC. This new visa will allow holders to visit all six GCC countries on a single visa.
The primary focus of this unified visa is to attract tourists and encourage them to stay in the Gulf countries for longer periods, thus promoting economic integration within the region. Abdullah bin Touq, the UAE Minister of Economy, has previously stated that this visa aims to increase inbound tourist spending at an annual growth rate of 8%. Projections indicate that by the end of 2023, inbound tourist spending will reach $96.9 billion, representing a growth of 12.8% compared to 2022, and it is expected to reach $188 billion by 2030.
The approval of the unified Gulf tourist visa underscores the commitment of the GCC countries to advancing regional tourism and positioning the Gulf as an attractive destination for international visitors. This decision is expected to stimulate economic growth, enhance cooperation, and contribute to the overall development of the region’s tourism sector.
By streamlining the visa process and allowing tourists to explore multiple countries with a single visa, the Gulf countries are making it easier for travelers to experience the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities that the region has to offer. Visitors can now plan their itineraries more efficiently, knowing that they can seamlessly travel between member states without the hassle of obtaining separate visas.
Furthermore, this unified visa initiative reflects the GCC’s commitment to promoting collaboration and unity among its member states. By working together to enhance the tourism sector, the GCC countries are showcasing their collective strengths and demonstrating their readiness to welcome tourists from around the world.
It is important to note that while the unified Gulf tourist visa has been approved, the implementation process will involve close coordination between the respective Ministries of Interior in each member state. Each country will need to ensure that the necessary infrastructure, systems, and procedures are in place to facilitate the smooth operation of this initiative.
In conclusion, the approval of the unified Gulf tourist visa by the Supreme Council of the GCC marks a significant milestone in the region’s tourism industry. This decision not only promotes economic growth and cooperation among member states but also positions the Gulf as an attractive and accessible destination for international visitors. With the implementation of this unified visa, tourists can look forward to exploring the diverse landscapes, cultural treasures, and warm hospitality of the Gulf countries with ease and convenience.
Source: TimesKuwait
