A GCC unified tourist visa will have a major impact on tourism in Saudi Arabia and across the region, according to a minister in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb, took part in the eighth meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tourism ministers held in Doha.

The meeting addressed means of enhancing collaboration in implementing the unified tourist visa for GCC countries.

Al Khateeb, in his speech, commended the historic step taken by the GCC Supreme Council in approving this initiative, which reflects the commitment of GCC countries to strengthen tourism cooperation.

He further emphasised that the unified GCC tourist visa will significantly improve the Gulf states’ standing as a distinguished global tourist destination.

Al Khateeb commended the progress in activating the Gulf Tourism Strategy and stressed the importance of continuing efforts to implement the agreed-upon initiatives and programs within the strategy.

Highlighting the Kingdom’s plans, the minister noted that the Kingdom will invest $800bn in various cities and major tourist destinations over the next decade.

He recognised tourism as a prominent economic sector contributing to achieving Saudi Vision 2030 by welcoming 27m international visitors by 2030.

Al Khateeb mentioned that during the first three quarters of 2023, visitors to the Kingdom spent SR100bn ($26.7bn).

The minister stated that the Kingdom ranked first among the Group of Twenty (G20) countries and second globally in terms of the growth in the number of international tourists, with a remarkable 56 per cent increase in 2023 compared to 2019.

Building on these achievements, the Kingdom aims to welcome 150m visitors by 2030, including 80m domestic tourists and 70m international tourists, Al Khateeb said.

He emphasised that these investments will not only benefit the Kingdom but also have a positive impact on all GCC countries.

He highlighted the need to increase the percentage of the travel and tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP in Gulf countries from the current 7.8 per cent to 10 per cent.

The minister stressed the importance of joint tourism efforts in the Gulf region, especially considering the upcoming investments in mega tourism projects.

He called for the activation of initiatives, programs, and activities that maximise the benefits of attracting international visitors.

The minister said: “We affirm our continuous support to achieve further achievements and successes aspired by the leaders of the GCC countries”.