Abu Dhabi:The total economic value of tourism in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries rose significantly to $254.7 billion in 2025, as reported in a study by the GCC Statistical Centre (GCC-Stat). This growth is part of a broader global tourism sector valued at $11.7 trillion.

According to Emirates News Agency , the tourism sector in the GCC supported approximately 4.5 million jobs, contributing competitively to both GDP and employment in comparison with global averages. The sector's resilience to geopolitical tensions and its recovery outlook have been promising, with notable progress towards the goals set by the Gulf Tourism Strategy 2022-2030. By 2025, an average of 73.8% progress was achieved across six strategic objectives due to increased visitor numbers, tourism spending, and direct employment.

The Gulf Tourism Strategy aims for 128.7 million visitors by 2030, with direct tourism GDP targeted at $145.8 billion. By 2025, visitor numbers reached 89.9 million, marking 69.9% of the target. Inbound tourist spending rose to $131.9 billion, achieving 70.2% of the 2030 goal, while domestic spending reached $42.9 billion, 87.6% of the target.

Direct travel and tourism GDP in the GCC reached $101.7 billion in 2025, accounting for 69.8% of the 2030 target. The sector's contribution to GDP rose to 4.6%, representing 70.8% of the goal. Direct employment in tourism reached 2.2 million jobs, 74.7% of the 2030 target, highlighting the sector's expanding economic impact.

The GCC's share of international tourism was 5% in 2025, with global tourism receipts at 6.9%, underscoring the region's growing influence. Notably, GCC countries held the top six positions among Arab countries for passport strength, as per the Henley Passport Index 2026, showcasing significant improvements in international mobility since 2016.