UK and GCC Set to Expand Tourism and Business Exchanges with New Initiatives Announced at Arabian Travel Market

Published on May 8, 2024

The Arabian Travel Market witnessed significant participation as representatives from the UK welcomed their counterparts from the Middle East’s travel trade industry. The interaction, hosted at the UKinbound stand, is part of a broader initiative to bolster tourism and business exchanges between the regions ahead of the highly anticipated #GREATFUTURES trade expo scheduled for May 14-15 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

During the event, key partnerships were highlighted, featuring collaborations with Saudi buyers such as ALFaris International Travel & Tourism. The focus is on promoting tourism opportunities in Britain and exploring synergies with prominent UK entities like Chelsea Football Club, Manchester City Football Club, and Destination North East England. These partnerships aim to tap into the vibrant GCC market and introduce new tourism products and experiences.

GCC visitors are considered highly valuable to the UK economy, contributing significantly to the tourism sector. It is projected that in 2024, approximately 1.2 million visits will be made from the GCC to the UK, with tourism spending expected to reach £2.9 billion, marking a 12% increase from 2019. This boost is partly attributed to the successful recovery of the travel sector post-pandemic.

Moreover, the recent launch of the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme has simplified the process for GCC and Jordanian nationals planning to visit the UK. This new system is anticipated to ease travel restrictions and foster increased travel and exchange between these regions, enhancing cultural and economic ties.

The Arabian Travel Market serves as a crucial platform for facilitating these discussions and laying the groundwork for future cooperation. The event not only fosters immediate business opportunities but also sets the stage for long-term partnerships that will thrive in a globally connected marketplace. As we move towards a more interconnected world, such initiatives are essential for promoting international understanding and economic development.