Manama, Bahrain

In a step that reflects the depth of Gulf integration and the member states’ keenness to protect their tourism gains, the Kingdom of Bahrain, represented by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, chaired the extraordinary meeting of Their Excellencies the agents responsible for tourism in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The meeting was held via video communication technology, within the framework of Bahrain’s presidency of the forty-sixth session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

A quick recovery despite the challenges

The attendees discussed a number of essential issues aimed at accelerating the pace of recovery for the tourism sector in the region. The attendees reviewed the proposed recovery action plan, touching on the most important targets and timetables set for its implementation. It was also agreed to define the roles of the concerned authorities and coordinate joint action frameworks to ensure speedy implementation, in light of the current conditions that impose increasing challenges on tourism and travel.

Buhijji: We are able to overcome the effects
In her speech during the meeting, Mrs. Sarah Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, stressed “the joint Gulf keenness to unify efforts and enhance coordination and integration to confront various challenges.” Buhiji pointed out that “the Gulf countries are able, with their usual determination, to address the effects of the attacks in a way that will support the tourism sector and push it towards more advanced levels,” stressing the strength of the tourism components that have made the region an attractive destination regionally and internationally.

Joint initiatives to enhance tourism attraction

The research was not limited to the recovery aspect, but extended to review joint promotional programs and marketing campaigns aimed at increasing awareness of Gulf destinations. The discussions also included developing the Gulf tourism data dashboard, exchanging experiences in the field of statistics, in addition to vital files such as the unified tourist guide license and the Gulf Tourism Capital project. These efforts confirm the efforts of the GCC countries to strengthen their position as an integrated tourism destination capable of competing globally.

Promising opportunities for Arab investors and travelers
This joint Gulf move represents positive signals for both Arab tourists and investors alike. Enhancing joint promotion and facilitating travel procedures through initiatives such as the “Unified Gulf Visa” heralds a more connected tourist destination, allowing the Arab traveler a diverse experience that includes heritage, nature, and entertainment in an integrated package. On the investment level, unifying efforts to develop recovery and growth strategies creates a more stable and attractive investment environment, especially in the hospitality, events and tourism infrastructure sectors, which opens new horizons for intra-Arab partnerships and investments in one of the world’s fastest growing regions in this field.