GCC Tourism Sector Expands as Hotel Capacity Increases

MUSCAT, May 25, 2026 - The Gulf Cooperation Council tourism sector recorded continued growth in 2024 as hotel capacity, international visitor arrivals and tourism revenues increased across member states, according to new data released by GCC-Stat.

The Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf reported that the number of hotel establishments across GCC countries exceeded 11,200 during 2024, reflecting a 1.3% increase compared with the previous year.

GCC Tourism Sector Expands Hotel Infrastructure

According to the report, hotel room capacity across the Gulf region reached approximately 711,500 rooms, representing a 0.2% increase year over year.

GCC-Stat said the expansion reflects ongoing investment in tourism infrastructure, hospitality projects and destination development initiatives aimed at strengthening the region’s competitiveness within the global tourism market.

Tourism authorities across Gulf countries continue positioning hospitality and travel as key components of economic diversification strategies beyond the energy sector.

The report also highlighted increasing investment in tourism facilities designed to attract international visitors, leisure travelers and business tourism activity.

International Visitor Arrivals Continue Rising

International tourist arrivals across GCC countries reached approximately 72.2 million in 2024, marking growth of 51.5% compared with 2019 levels and 6.1% growth over 2023 figures.

Tourism revenues across GCC markets increased to nearly US$120.2 billion, representing a 39.6% increase compared with pre-pandemic 2019 levels and an 8.9% rise from 2023.

Industry analysts say major tourism investments, international events, airline expansion and hospitality development projects continue supporting the Gulf region’s tourism recovery and long-term growth.

Regional tourism also remained a major contributor to sector performance. Intra-GCC tourism accounted for approximately 41.3% of total international tourist activity across member states.

Regional Travel Integration Supports Tourism Growth

According to GCC-Stat, intra-regional tourism activity increased by 61.2% compared with 2019 and rose 1.2% from 2023 levels.

Hospitality experts say improved connectivity, visa reforms and cross-border tourism initiatives continue encouraging travel between Gulf countries.

The GCC tourism sector has increasingly focused on luxury hospitality, cultural tourism, entertainment projects and business travel as part of broader regional economic transformation programs.

Additional tourism data and regional market reports are available through the official GCC-Stat platform.