GCC members contemplating issuing unified single visa

DUBAI: Member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are contemplating issuing a unified single visa for tourists.

Bahrain’s Minister of Tourism Fatima Al Sairafi, while speaking during a panel discussion ‘The Future of Travel for the GCC’ at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, said that the plan — when finalised — will boost tourism and revenue for all the GCC countries.

She said discussions in this regard have been taking place at the ministerial level. “We see that happening very soon because we see people flying from abroad to Europe usually spending their time in several countries rather than in one country. We really saw the value this can bring not to each country but all of us,” Al Sairafi said.

According to a media report, she explained how Bahrain benefitted from co-promotion. “We targeted 8.3 million tourists for 2022 but achieved 9.9 million visitors because we co-promoted Bahrain along with the UAE and other GCC markets. It resulted in an increased number of tourists. When we co-promoted at a unified destination through 100-plus tour operators, the footfall also increased and the diversity of nationalities of tourists also increased,” she said.

Abdullah Al Saleh, undersecretary for the Ministry of Economy, said all the GCC member countries believe that the tourism sector is vital for the growth of their economies.

“We have one common market and unified policies. In the tourism sector, the GCC can benefit from both supply and demand sides by having umbrella regulations, policies, and procedures to facilitate growth. Now with increased flow of people among GCC, it is becoming smoother with time,” he said.

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of Saudi Tourism Authority, said travellers now do not think of a country but a region.

“I believe travellers of tomorrow will look always at multiple stops, routes, and regions,” he said, adding that Saudi Arabia greatly benefited from FIFA World Cup in Qatar and this reflects that joint offerings can be promoted and benefit all.