Riyadh (UrduPoint / WAM / 07 April 2026 AD) His Excellency Jassim Al Budawi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, stressed that the escalating challenges facing the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are no longer a passing circumstance, but rather a real test of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s ability to protect its achievements and ensure the continued efficiency and stability of its vital sectors.
This came during the speech of the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council at the extraordinary meeting of the Committee of Tourism Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which was held today via video technology, headed by the Bahraini Minister of Tourism Fatima Al-Sayrafi, head of the current session, and with the participation of the tourism ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council affirmed that today’s extraordinary meeting is being held at a crucial stage, as the GCC countries are exposed to blatant Iranian aggression, stressing that “this escalation requires us to… everyone It moves from Traditional coordination to a higher level of practical integration and proactive response, given that the tourism sector in the GCC countries constitutes a fundamental pillar for achieving economic sustainability.
Al Budawi said: “The Gulf Cooperation Council countries have succeeded in consolidating their position as a global tourist destination, making this sector one of the fastest growing sectors and the most important contributors to the diversification of their economies. The developments we are witnessing today have cast a shadow on the vital tourism sector, affecting He travels patterns, step Tourism activity and its stability Markets“.
He stressed, “This requires us to enhance coordination and integration and intensify joint efforts to ensure the sustainable growth of this sector, preserve its achievements, and enhance its ability to face future challenges.”
Furthermore, he reviewed some statistics in his speech from Gulf Statistical Center for the year 2024, indicating that the Gulf Cooperation Council countries obtained more than 72 million Tourists, generating revenues of about $120 one billion.
He also said: “But in light of the military escalation in the region, the number of tourists is expected to decrease, to range between 8 and 19.” millionWith potential losses in tourism revenue ranging between $13 and $32 one billion“.
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council pointed out that experience has proven that the GCC countries are capable of overcoming everyone Handling crises and challenges efficiently and effectively, relying on close ties and effective integration across them everyone Fields.
He stressed that this approach contributed to enhancing the ability of the GCC countries to contain challenges, maintain their stability, and ensure their continuity efficiently and effectively. everyone Vital sectors, which reflects the strength and effectiveness of joint Gulf action in various circumstances.
Al-Budaiwi added that the meeting of the GCC Tourism Ministers Committee reflects a deep understanding of the nature of these challenges, by discussing the current situation and anticipating its dimensions and impact on the tourism sector.
He pointed out that this approach also requires working collectively to develop The best And ways to confront these challenges, whether in the short or long term, to ensure the restoration of tourism momentum and enhance its sustainability.
He stressed the importance of unification Media Messages and adopting joint initiatives that restore confidence in tourism MarketsStressing that the GCC region remains a safe and attractive destination.