Gulf tourism set for stronger recovery, says aviation leader
Wed, 29 Apr 2026
Gulf States can become stronger tourism destinations after conflict, said aviation leader and Knighthood Global Chairman James Hogan, citing strong branding, leadership, and investment. He urged a focus on destination strengths and openness rather than price-driven strategies for recovery.
GCC projects tourism losses of up to $32bn amid regional tensions
Sun, 12 Apr 2026
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi said rising regional tensions are a major test for member states’ stability and vital sectors, warning tourism could fall by 8–19 million visitors, risking $13–$32 billion in losses.
Bahrain, UAE launch one-stop air travel system
Tue, 17 Feb 2026
Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will officially activate the first phase of a long-planned one-stop air travel system today (February 17), launching a significant step towards seamless mobility within the GCC.
BlueFive Capital launches new aircraft leasing platform
Thu, 12 Feb 2026
BlueFive Capital, a global investment platform with $7.4 billion in assets under management (AUM), has announced the launch of BlueFive Leasing, the Gulf region's first dedicated aircraft leasing asset management platform, based in Muscat, Oman.
GCC tourism growth boosts Asian presence at ATM 2026
Wed, 11 Feb 2026
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 4-7 May, is projecting a significant increase in exhibitors from Asia-Pacific countries, underpinned by a strong 13.95% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in participation from Asian exhibitors over the 2024–2026 period.
GCC international tourism revenues surge to $120bn in 2024
Sun, 18 Jan 2026
International tourism revenues in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states rose to $120.2 billion in 2024, up 39.6 per cent from 2019 and 8.9 per cent from 2023, the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (Gulf-Stat) said.
GCC’s Unified Civil Aviation Authority: A strategic leap forward
Thu, 15 Jan 2026
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has taken a landmark step: the creation of a Unified GCC Civil Aviation Authority. This initiative isn’t just bureaucratic housekeeping — it’s an effort that we all hope will build a stronger, safer, and more efficient air transport system for the GCC.
Germany boosts commitment to GCC travellers as spending hits $2.6bn
Thu, 27 Nov 2025
The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) highlighted the Gulf region as Germany’s third-largest overseas tourist source, with €2.3 billion ($2.6 billion) spent in 2024, during a Dubai press conference marking 20 years in the GCC.
Azerbaijan Tourism Board completes GCC Roadshow
Tue, 18 Nov 2025
A series of roadshows across the GCC countries was organised by Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB), together with 8 industry partners to promote Azerbaijan’s diverse tourism offerings.
GCC approves first phase of "one-stop" travel for citizens
Thu, 13 Nov 2025
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has given the thumbs up to the first phase of a "one-stop" travel system that allows Gulf Arab nationals to complete all travel procedures at one point. The new system would first run a trial period for air travel between the UAE and Bahrain.
$1 trillion China–GCC opportunity waiting to be unlocked: report
Tue, 11 Nov 2025
China’s affluent outbound audiences across tourism, investment and luxury sectors offer a $1 trillion opportunity for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to tap into the market, says a new report.
Starhotels Collezione concludes events in Saudi, UAE
Tue, 11 Nov 2025
Starhotels Collezione, Italy’s luxury hotel group, recently held several events in the GCC, including a Sales Conclave in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and exclusive Media and Partners Evenings in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Dammam Global City project first phase to open this month
Sat, 08 Nov 2025
The Eastern Province Mayoralty, in collaboration with a Thai investor, is set to launch the first phase of the Dammam Global City project by the end of November, a news report said.
SalamAir expands GCC network with launch of flights to Abha
Thu, 06 Nov 2025
SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, has announced the launch of its newest destination, Abha in Saudi Arabia starting December 16, 2025.
Arabian Adventures names new head to lead GCC operations
Thu, 30 Oct 2025
Arabian Adventures, the destination management arm of dnata Travel Group, has appointed Sébastien Garcia as its new head, with responsibility for all business verticals across the GCC.
Georgia forms GCC partnerships to boost tourism, MICE
Tue, 28 Oct 2025
The Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) is enhancing its engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tourism sector, aiming to establish Georgia as a key partner for MICE operators and travel agencies, leveraging rapid tourism growth and strategic development plans.
Tokyo invites GCC to “Old Meets New" cultural event
Thu, 23 Oct 2025
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in collaboration with the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB), is bringing the vibrant spirit of Tokyo to Abu Dhabi with a one-day cultural event titled “Tokyo Tokyo Old meets New - Come Discover the Culture of Tokyo”.
GCC set to capture key share of $2trn sports tourism market
Thu, 16 Oct 2025
The GCC has established itself as a global stage for major sporting events – and now stands to capture a share of the $2 trillion global sports tourism market by 2030, according to new PwC Middle East report.
Tourism Seychelles boosts GCC engagement with TBO Roadshows
Mon, 06 Oct 2025
Tourism Seychelles has further strengthened its presence in the GCC region through its active participation in the recent TBO Travel Business Show, held in Doha on September 15 and in Dubai on September 17.