Saudi Arabia and Qatar among top-performing destinations as international arrivals surge beyond pre-pandemic levels
The global tourism sector celebrated a major rebound in 2024, reaching near full recovery to pre-pandemic levels, with GCC countries emerging as standout performers. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer released by UN Tourism, international tourist arrivals soared to 1.4 billion worldwide—just 1% below 2019 levels—driven by a robust resurgence in travel demand and exceptional growth in the Middle East.
The GCC bloc played a critical role in this recovery, with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman all registering impressive year-on-year gains in both arrivals and tourism receipts. The region as a whole recorded a 32% increase in international arrivals over 2019, making it the top-performing region globally.
Saudi Arabia: A Tourism Powerhouse in the Making
Saudi Arabia’s performance was particularly notable, with a 69% increase in international arrivals compared to 2019, and a staggering 148% growth in international tourism receipts between January and November 2024. This surge is aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, which prioritises tourism as a pillar of economic diversification. Key enablers include eased visa policies, strategic partnerships, mega-events like Riyadh Season, and rapid aviation expansion through flag carriers and new infrastructure projects.
Qatar: Doubling Down on Tourism Momentum
Qatar followed closely behind, reporting a 137% rise in arrivals versus 2019 levels, further capitalising on the momentum from hosting the FIFA World Cup and other global sporting and business events. The country continues to promote its tourism offering through investment in cultural landmarks, hospitality developments, and air connectivity via Qatar Airways’ expanding network.
Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman Join the Surge
Kuwait saw the highest growth in tourism receipts across the GCC, with a 232% increase over the first 9–11 months of 2024, showcasing the impact of business and family visitation alongside leisure traffic. Bahrain also demonstrated strong performance, recording a 45% increase in international arrivals through July, while Oman posted a 19% rise in arrivals during the same period, supported by efforts to position the Sultanate as a nature and culture-focused destination.
Strategic Drivers of Regional Growth
The report attributes the region’s performance to multiple converging factors:
- Streamlined visa policies, including eVisas and visa-on-arrival options.
- Massive tourism investments in infrastructure, attractions, and entertainment.
- Expanded airline capacity, particularly through national carriers.
- Aggressive marketing campaigns in key source markets.
- Diversified offerings, including religious, heritage, luxury, and adventure tourism.
Looking Ahead: Continued Growth in 2025
The global outlook remains optimistic for 2025, with UN Tourism projecting a further 3% to 5% growth in international arrivals compared to 2024. For the GCC countries, the strong momentum built in 2024 positions them as front-runners in global tourism development, with long-term strategies that not only support economic diversification but also promote regional collaboration and innovation in hospitality and air transport.
As the world’s travel industry sets its sights on the future, the Gulf region’s rapid rise serves as a benchmark for resilience, ambition, and transformation in the post-pandemic tourism era.
Source: UNWTO
Photo by Bernd 📷 Dittrich on Unsplash
