0 items USD 0.00European Travellers to drive Gulf Tourism Recovery
The Saudi government announced a SAR 70 billion (USD 18.7 billion) economic package to support the private sector, especially SMEs and sectors most affected by the crisis. Additional initiatives to support industrial companies, as well as a new tourism development fund, were announced.
In GCC countries, PwC estimates that up to 400,000 tourism-related jobs could be lost as a result of the crisis. In view of the percentage distribution of inbound tourists arriving at the GCC countries, 49.2% of tourists arrived in Emirates, 31.1% in Saudi Arabia, and 8.8% in Bahrain, while the remaining percentage was distributed among other GCC countries. But after the pandemic Dubai鈥檚 EXPO 2020 and the annual haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, which was expected to attract respectively 25 million visitors and 2 million religious tourists. If the situation does not improve, will put a strain on the countries鈥� economy.
European travelers are set to become a key source market for the Gulf region, especially Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which will help their post-pandemic tourist industry recovery. Countries in the GCC include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain and they all offer a good range of flight options and a varied tourism product, which appeals to European travelers.
The latest report, 鈥�Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Tourism Destination Market Insight, 2021 Update 鈥� Analysis of Source Markets, Infrastructure and Attractions, and Risks and Opportunities鈥�, reveals that in 2019 pre-pandemic arrivals from Europe to GCC countries reached 11.8 million tourists. In 2020, arrivals collapsed to 3.9 million due to the pandemic, a 67% year-over-year (Y-O-Y) decrease, however, post-pandemic arrivals are forecasted to recover to 13.3 million tourists by 2024, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.5%.
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The report provides an in-depth analysis of a tourist destination and its key source markets, as well as an assessment of the trends and issues in the covered destination market, in this case the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
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Britain may hold the key to improving Gulf tourism
The high levels of growth expected from European travelers arriving in GCC countries over the next three years will be a key driver of the region's tourism recovery from COVID-19. One country of particular importance to the region is the UK as the latest forecasts show that UK arrivals to GCC countries will reach 3 million by 2024 a CAGR of 21.7%.听
UK travelers have always been attracted to GCC countries as they offer a diverse tourism proposition for summer and winter sun, with stunning beaches, sprawling cities, and adventure activities. The opulence and status of Dubai with luxury hotels and the lavish experience it has to offer is also popular with UK travelers.听
Countries across the GCC have plenty to entice Europeans, with a mix of activities from the traditional beach holiday to the cultural experience provided by the region's traditions and history. This will help it to regain its popularity quicker than those destinations that only offer a city break experience.
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About The Author
Sudeep Chakravarty
