H.E. Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, participated in the 10th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Meeting for Tourism Officials, held in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, on Thursday, 10 September 2026. During the meeting, he highlighted the importance of building on the resilience of the Gulf tourism sector and moving towards deeper cooperation, greater integration and a more competitive regional tourism industry.
The meeting provided a platform for tourism officials from GCC member states to discuss opportunities to strengthen regional collaboration, improve visitor experiences and enhance the Gulf’s position in international tourism markets. Discussions focused on developing joint tourism packages, accelerating the activation of the unified GCC tourism visa and expanding coordinated promotional campaigns in priority global markets.
These initiatives aim to facilitate travel between participating countries, encourage visitors to explore multiple destinations during a single trip and strengthen the region’s appeal to international travellers.
Key Priorities at the GCC Ministerial Meeting
During the GCC Ministerial Meeting, Al-Kharji emphasised the importance of translating regional cooperation into practical initiatives that benefit tourism destinations across the Gulf. By coordinating promotional activities and developing shared travel experiences, GCC countries can present a more connected tourism offering to visitors from around the world.
One of the priorities discussed was the development of joint tourism packages. These could help travellers discover attractions across multiple Gulf destinations, combining cultural experiences, hospitality, leisure activities and regional landmarks within a single itinerary.
Such collaboration can also create opportunities for tourism businesses, including hotels, tour operators, airlines and hospitality providers, to reach broader audiences. A more connected regional offering may encourage longer stays and give visitors additional reasons to explore destinations beyond their primary travel location.
Another key priority was accelerating the activation of the unified GCC tourism visa. The initiative is intended to make regional travel more convenient by simplifying entry arrangements for eligible visitors travelling across participating Gulf countries. Easier movement between destinations could support multi-country holidays and strengthen the region’s appeal as a combined tourism market.
GCC Ministerial Meeting Highlights Joint Global Tourism Promotion
Expanding joint promotional campaigns in priority international markets was another important topic raised during the GCC Ministerial Meeting.
Coordinated tourism marketing can help GCC countries communicate the diversity of experiences available across the region. From cultural heritage and historical landmarks to luxury hotels, coastal attractions, entertainment and culinary experiences, the Gulf offers a broad range of travel opportunities.
By working together, member states can promote these experiences to international audiences through campaigns that highlight both individual destinations and the wider regional offering. This approach can also help strengthen recognition of the Gulf as a connected tourism region rather than a collection of separate markets.
Joint promotional activities may create opportunities to attract new visitor segments, encourage repeat travel and support tourism businesses across the participating countries. For destinations seeking to expand their international reach, regional collaboration provides a way to combine resources and communicate a more consistent message to prospective travellers.
The discussions reflected a broader emphasis on cooperation as a means of strengthening tourism competitiveness and responding to changing international travel preferences.
Doha Named Capital of Gulf Tourism for 2026
Al-Kharji also highlighted Doha’s selection as the Capital of Gulf Tourism for 2026, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen integration among Gulf destinations and showcase the region’s shared cultural and tourism identity.
The designation provides a platform to highlight Doha’s tourism offering while encouraging greater awareness of the wider Gulf region. It also creates opportunities to connect cultural attractions, hospitality experiences and tourism initiatives with regional promotional efforts.
For Qatar, the recognition can support continued efforts to showcase the country’s visitor experiences to regional and international audiences. For the wider GCC, it offers an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and encourage travellers to discover the cultural connections shared by Gulf destinations.
Regional tourism cooperation can be particularly valuable when destinations combine their individual strengths to create broader travel experiences. Visitors may explore traditional markets, museums, architectural landmarks, local cuisine and contemporary entertainment across several destinations, gaining a wider understanding of the region.
GCC Ministerial Meeting Reinforces Regional and International Cooperation
During the meeting, Al-Kharji reaffirmed Qatar’s support for Saudi Arabia’s candidacy for membership of the Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The position reflects Qatar’s support for stronger Gulf representation in international tourism forums.
He also expressed support for the candidacy of the Jabal Akhdar region in Oman to become the Capital of Gulf Tourism for 2027. The initiative aligns with the broader objective of encouraging tourism cooperation and highlighting the diversity of experiences available across GCC member states.
The discussions in Manama underscored the importance of maintaining collaboration at both regional and international levels. Through shared initiatives, coordinated marketing and support for tourism representation in international forums, GCC countries can work towards a more connected and competitive tourism sector.
The 10th GCC Ministerial Meeting for Tourism Officials highlighted several priorities for the region’s tourism future, including joint travel packages, the unified GCC tourism visa and collaborative international promotion. With Doha serving as the Capital of Gulf Tourism for 2026, Qatar continues to emphasise regional integration as an important part of strengthening the Gulf’s position in global tourism.
Related reading: Jordan Tourism Board Builds Momentum in the GCC Following Successful Participation at Arabian Travel Market 2026 | Seychelles puts GCC at heart of high-value tourism growth with Emirates MoU at ATM 2026
Ahmed Abdul Wasey
Managing Editor, Eat ‘N Stays
Ahmed Abdul Wasey is the Managing Editor in Eat ‘N Stays, overseeing all editorial coverage of travel, hospitality, and food across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. He sets the publication’s editorial direction and reviews coverage across hotels, restaurants, tourism, cruise, and industry news before it publishes.
Have a story tip, correction, or question about our coverage? Reach Ahmed directly at pr@eatnstays.com.
