Hotel Expansion Drives GCC Tourism Sector to New Heights

RIYADH — The Gulf Cooperation Council’s tourism sector continued its strong upward trajectory in 2024, fueled by expanding hotel infrastructure and a surge in international visitors, according to new data from GCC‑Stat.

The total number of hotel establishments across the six Gulf states exceeded 11,200 in 2024, a 1.3 percent increase from 2023. Hotel rooms reached approximately 711,500, up 0.2 percent year‑on‑year.

International tourist arrivals to the GCC hit 72.2 million in 2024, a 51.5 percent jump compared to 2019 and a 6.1 percent rise from 2023. International tourism revenues climbed to $120.2 billion, growing 39.6 percent from pre‑pandemic levels and 8.9 percent from the previous year.

Intra‑GCC tourism accounted for 41.3 percent of all international arrivals, up 61.2 percent from 2019, highlighting the importance of regional travel and integration.

The report underscores the Gulf’s sustained recovery and growing appeal as a global tourism destination, supported by major hotel projects and diversification efforts.

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