In a significant development for regional tourism, the tenth meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tourism ministers, held in Manama, resulted in the adoption of Al Jabal Al Akhdar as the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2027. The ministers also formally supported the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's re-nomination for membership on the Executive Council of the United Nations Tourism Organization.
Following their session, the ministers released a joint statement highlighting the robust resilience of the Gulf tourism sector. The statement underscored the industry's capacity to bounce back from the consequences of regional developments and adapt to emerging challenges. According to the ministers, this adaptability is a direct outcome of the GCC's solid tourism framework, advanced infrastructure, and high-quality services.
To further boost regional tourism, the meeting approved a dedicated recovery plan designed to revitalize the sector. The ministers reviewed the progress of existing joint tourism initiatives and evaluated strategies to strengthen tourism integration. These initiatives aim to bolster intra-GCC travel, elevate regional promotional efforts, and raise the global competitiveness of the Gulf's tourism sector.
The ministers noted that the GCC nations remain highly attractive destinations globally, with positive growth forecasts driven by major tourism developments, international events, and expanding investments across the culture, sports, and entertainment sectors. Enhanced air connectivity and more streamlined travel procedures also support these expectations. The ministers concluded that the prevailing safety, stability, and regulatory frameworks within the GCC provide a secure environment that enhances investor and visitor confidence alike.
