The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are about to launch its unified tourist visa which should transform the region's tourism sector. This new visa, comparable to the European Schengen system, will enable visitors to explore the 6 member states - the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, Bahrain 🇧🇭, Qatar 🇶🇦, Oman 🇴🇲 and Kuwait 🇰🇼 - with a single authorization.
This approval, announced at a trade show in the United Arab Emirates, was unanimous. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marrithe United Arab Emirates' Minister of the Economy, confirmed that the visa was approved and awaiting implementation "shortly".
A catalyst for bleisure and inter-country tourism
One of the main spin-offs expected from this unified visa is the development of the "bleisure"(trips combining business and leisure). Visitors, especially those on business trips, will be able to extend their stay to discover neighboring countries.
Rikant Pittico-founder of EaseMyTrip.com, highlights this trend among Indian travelers coming to the UAE, eager to mix business and vacation by exploring destinations like Dubai and Abu Dhabi with their families. Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana, confirms this increase in "bleisure" travel, with customers extending their business trips to explore more of the region.
The hotel and tourism sector is already seeing growing demand, spurred by the attraction of new attractions and simplified visa procedures. Vincent Miccolis noted an exceptional 28 % increase in long-term stays in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023 at regional properties, for both business and leisure travelers.
The unified visa is seen as a "game-changer" for the regional tourism industry and global economies. It is expected to create more job opportunities and boost GDP. A senior UAE official stressed that the scheme would increase the length of stay and spending of tourists, particularly those from far afield.
Travel agencies in the United Arab Emirates and abroad are actively preparing to offer "GCC Grand Tours“.
Rehan AsadVice President, Global Markets at Expedia, compared the expected impact to that of the Schengen visa in Europe, which considerably boosted the tourism sector.
Mohammed Faroozexecutive secretary at Last Minute Tourismalso indicated that packages combining Dubai, Oman and Qatar would be available in the coming months, potentially 25 % cheaper than regular offers. Ross VeitchWego's CEO, anticipates that the visa will make the region ".even more popular"This is particularly true of Chinese visitors, as is the case in Europe and Southeast Asia, where tourists visit several countries in the same trip.
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