Trends, Growth, and Opportunity Analysis of Outbound Tourism in GCC Countries

A Strategic Examination of Outbound Tourism in GCC Countries from 2024 to 2034

Sales of outbound tourism in GCC countries are estimated to accelerate at a moderate CAGR of 7.8% between 2024 and 2034. The outbound tourism industry in GCC countries is set to generate a revenue of USD 75,126.10 million in 2024 and is likely to produce revenue worth USD 158,880.1 million by 2034.

Increasing consumer spending on overseas travel, ascending foreign tourist departures, and boosting online flight and travel bookings are the primary drivers expected to advance the GCC outbound tourism industry growth from 2024 to 2034.

Attributes	Details
Demand Analysis (2024)	USD 75,126.10 million
Demand Forecast (2034)	USD 158,880.1 million
CAGR Estimation (2024 to 2034)	7.8%

Social Media, Education, and Business Ventures Propel the GCC Outbound Tourism Sector

Individuals and families in GCC countries have more money to spend on travel and tourism due to the rising disposable income of citizens. Their increased cash allows them to travel to other countries, boosting the GCC outbound tourism sales growth.

Travelers' awareness of various places has increased due to globalization and better access to information via the Internet and social media platforms. This has increased the interest and desire of GCC residents to learn about and experience other cultures. This escalates the adoption of outbound tourism in GCC.

One of the main factors compelling outbound tourism is an enthusiasm for education and business opportunities abroad. Residents of the GCC frequently travel for networking events, conferences, business meetings, and educational pursuits.

Stumbling Blocks to the GCC Outbound Tourism Industry

When GCC citizens consider traveling abroad, rigorous visa regulations and restrictions the target nations impose restrain them. Burdensome visa requirements inhibit travelers from visiting particular countries, impeding the GCC outbound tourism sector growth.

A key barrier is likely to be the cultural, language, and lifestyle differences between the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and other possible travel destinations. A lack of familiarity with regional languages and cultures hampers people from traveling to some foreign places, harming the outbound tourism industry expansion in GCC countries.

Historical GCC Outbound Tourism Industry Outlook (From 2019 to 2023) vs. Demand Forecast (From 2024 to 2034)

A significant increase in outbound tourism has been observed in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as a result of increased globalization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing desire among GCC citizens for overseas travel experiences.

The GCC outbound tourism sector developed moderately between 2019 and 2023, with a CAGR increase in outbound travel of about 5.6% and an increase in expenditure overseas in line with that development.

GCC countries make for a sizeable portion of the global outbound travel industry, with popular destinations for tourists from the area, including Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States. Factors such as easier access to flights, easier processing of visas, and marketing campaigns by travel boards supported the expansion.

Attributes	Details
Demand Analysis (2019)	USD 55,776.9 million
Demand Analysis (2023)	USD 69,360.1 million
CAGR Estimation (2019 to 2023)	5.6%

The demand forecast for outbound tourism in GCC countries from 2024 to 2034 is optimistic with several advancing trends and factors. The GCC's efforts to diversify its economy, along with continuous improvements in tourist attractions and infrastructure, is likely to increase demand for outbound travel.

From 2024 to 2034, technology breakthroughs, evolving consumer tastes, and geopolitical events are going to reshape the GCC outbound tourism sector. Emerging trends, including experiential tourism, environmental travel, and the integration of digital platforms, modify traveler tastes.

The outbound tourism vendors in GCC need to stay aware of changing consumer demographics and industry conditions to take advantage of emerging opportunities and preserve a sustainable position. This is especially crucial as the GCC outbound tourism industry is expected to escalate.

Category-wise Insights

Perceptive trends emerge from the segmented research of the GCC outbound tourism industry. The prevalent category of tourist type is the domestic segment, indicating a strong preference for visiting nearby locations.

The 26 to 35-year-old segment is the most prevalent among the age group category, suggesting that a considerable proportion of the population travels outside their country.

The data mentioned illustrates how crucial it is to accommodate the tastes and requirements of both domestic tourists and the younger generation in the GCC. The GCC outbound tourism providers comprehend these dynamics to design customized strategies and services that appeal to the various segments.

Travel around the GCC Traveler's Global Travel Preferences

Segment	Domestic
Share (2024)	57.3%

Domestic travel leads the GCC's outbound tourism sector, demonstrating the citizens' strong preference for local travel experiences. Even though it is sizable, the international segment trails behind the domestic segment, suggesting that there is a strong desire to go to places inside the GCC.

Companies ought to recognize the potential for growth in the international segment despite its secondary status and take advantage of global travel trends and preferences. A mix of factors, including cultural affinity, ease of access, and the appeal of a wide range of attractions, stimulates the popularity of domestic travel in the GCC countries.

Digital Footprints Engaging the 26 to 35 Years Segment in the Outbound Tourism Sector in GCC

Segment	26 to 35 Years
Share (2024)	32.0%

Due to their higher disposable income and strong desire for immersive travel, people in the 26 to 35 age range account for most GCC outbound tourists. The group favors adventurous and culturally engaging experiences, boosting travel industry revenue.

The 26 to 35 age group is socially and technologically aware, and as such, they quickly adapt and spread travel trends, impacting others in their network. Increasing job security and adaptability at work permits people in the 26 to 35 age range to travel to many foreign locations.

Competitive Landscape

Many significant outbound tourism vendors have established reputations as industry leaders in meeting the travel requirements of GCC citizens in the fiercely competitive industry.

Tour packages, eco-friendly tours, expedition planning, and destination management services are just a few of the travel services prominent outbound tourism providers in GCC countries provide. Along with destination selection, the GCC's outbound tourism companies compete on experience quality, customer support, and environmentally friendly operations.

G Adventures concentrates on immersive and daring experiences, whereas Big Five Tours & Expeditions Inc. is notable for its upscale offers. While Greenloons LLC focuses on environmentally responsible travel, Praxis Holidays LLP offers bespoke travel services.

Responsible Travel is notable for its eco-friendly travel programs, whereas Steppes Travel focuses on travel to less-traveled areas. Farhat Tours & Transfers S.P.C. and Royal Arabian Destination Management specialize in providing exhaustive destination management services.

These outbound tourism providers constantly devise new ideas to stay competitive and cater to passengers' changing tastes in the face of increasing demand for outbound travel from the GCC region. They provide various opportunities for GCC people to travel, so they are vital in forming the outbound tourism environment.

Developments Observed in the Outbound Tourism Sector in GCC Countries

• Big Five Tours & Expeditions announced the launch of a sustainable travel website, Galapagos.com. The website is named after the Galapagos Islands, home to the rarest species on Earth and the birthplace of Darwin’s theory of evolution.
• The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) announced that in 2025, all of its member states will have a single tourist visa. This project aligns with the GCC 2030 tourism strategy, which aims to boost tourism by 7% annually and solidify the region's standing as a major travel destination worldwide.
• The 'Come See Things Differently' campaign by VisitBritain, aimed at tourists from the Gulf Cooperation Council, showcases the variety of experiences that Britain has to offer, such as dynamic metropolitan life, countryside escapes, and coastal excursions. The campaign uses digital billboards, social media, and movie theaters to increase tourism in the area. Travel has become easier because of the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorization system.

Pivotal GCC Outbound Tourism Vendors

• Big Five Tours & Expeditions Inc.
• G Adventures, Praxis Holidays LLP
• Greenloons LLC
• Responsible Travel
• Steppes Travel
• Farhat Tours & Transfers S.P.C.
• Royal Arabian Destination Management

Scope of the Report

Attribute	Details
Estimated Valuation (2024)	USD 75,126.10 million
Projected Valuation (2034)	USD 158,880.1 million
Anticipated CAGR (2024 to 2034)	7.8%
Historical Analysis of Outbound Tourism in GCC	2019 to 2023
Demand Forecast for Outbound Tourism in GCC	2024 to 2034
Quantitative Units	Revenue in USD million and CAGR from 2024 to 2034
Report Coverage	Revenue Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends and Pricing Analysis
Key Countries Analyzed while Studying Opportunities in Outbound Tourism in GCC	Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman
Key Companies Profiled	Big Five Tours & Expeditions Inc.; G Adventures, Praxis Holidays LLP; Greenloons LLC; Responsible Travel; Steppes Travel; Farhat Tours & Transfers S.P.C.; Royal Arabian Destination Management

Key Segments

By Tourist Type:

• Domestic
• International

By Age Distribution:

• Under 18 years
• 18 to 25 years
• 26 to 35 years
• 36 to 45 years
• 46 to 55 years
• Above 55 years

By Tourism Type:

• Holiday
• VFR (Visit Friends and Relatives)
• Business
• Others

By Traveler Type:

• Independent Traveller
• Tour Group
• Package Traveller

By Country:

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Qatar
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Oman

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Current Industry Valuation of Outbound Tourism in GCC Countries?

The outbound travel and tourism sector in GCC countries is estimated to secure a valuation USD 75,126.10 million in 2024.

How Big Can the GCC Outbound Tourism Sector Be by 2034?

The GCC outbound travel and tourism industry is projected to surpass USD 158,880.1 million by 2034.

What is the Growth Opportunity of the Outbound Tourism Industry in GCC Countries?

The outbound travel and tourism sector in GCC is anticipated to thrive at a 7.8% CAGR from 2024 to 2034.

What Was the Historical Outlook of The GCC Outbound Tourism Industry?

Between 2019 and 2023, the GCC outbound travel and tourism industry evolved at a moderate CAGR of 5.6%.

Which Tourist Type Category to Lead in the Outbound Tourism Industry in GCC?

The domestic sector is forecasted to possess a share of 57.3% in 2024.

Which Age Group Segment to Control the GCC Outbound Tourism Industry?

A 32.0% industry share is envisioned for the 26 to 35 years sector in 2024.