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Tourism Sector Research Highlights

The Report: Saudi Arabia 2025
OBG
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Tourism & Culture Sector Analysis

The tourism sector in Saudi Arabia has undergone a significant transformation since the launch of the government’s Vision 2030 national development strategy. Updated policies and higher...

The Report: Qatar 2025
OBG
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Tourism Sector Analysis

Qatar’s tourism sector has emerged as one of the country’s most dynamic drivers of non-hydrocarbons-based growth, building steadily on the visibility and global exposure generated by the 2022 FIFA...

How Saudi Arabia is growing its cultural economy

In this Market Profile video, Oxford Business Group, in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Development Fund, introduces the Saudi Arabia Cultural Market Outlook 2025 report – a comprehensive study...

Report: How Oman’s strategic investment fosters economic diversification and innovation

With Oman Vision 2040 guiding long-term economic transformation, strategic investment is playing a key role in reducing reliance on oil revenue and fostering sustainable growth...

Special Reports on the Tourism Sector
Special Report

Report: Strategic investment driving green energy, digital innovation and sustainable growth in Oman

Oman is embarking on a transformative journey under Vision 2040, combining innovation and sustainability to redefine its economic landscape. This report showcases...
Special Report

Report: How is Saudi Arabia leveraging sustainable practices to transform its cultural sector?

Under the stewardship of the Ministry of Culture, Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by a strategic commitment to preserving and promoting the Kingdom’s rich history, national...
Special Report

Report: How can the private sector capitalise on opportunities in the Saudi leisure industry?

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a period of sweeping social transformation and economic diversification underpinned by Vision 2030. This is creating a fertile environment for private businesses to expand...

Report: Strategic investment driving green energy, digital innovation and sustainable growth in Oman
Report: How is Saudi Arabia leveraging sustainable practices to transform its cultural sector?
Report: How can the private sector capitalise on opportunities in the Saudi leisure industry?
 

The Report: Oman 2025
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Tourism Sector Analysis

Tourism is a key focus of Oman Vision 2040, with the government aiming to strengthen the sector through both public and private investment. Over the past decade, the industry has shown...

Tourism Sector Analyses

Overview

Increased visitor demand supports tourism growth in Saudi Arabia
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The tourism sector in Saudi Arabia has undergone a significant transformation since the launch of the government’s Vision 2030 national development strategy. Updated policies and higher investment in tourist infrastructure have driven the increase in visitor numbers. Meanwhile, the diversification of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector through the development of strong business, resort and sports tourism offerings, has helped to attract new market entrants to the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry will likely continue to grow with...

Analysis

Infrastructure investment underpins tourism growth in Saudi Arabia
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The government positioned tourism as a priority sector in Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s long-term development roadmap, aimed at driving economic diversification and reducing the national reliance on fossil fuel revenue. Cross-government support for the National Tourism Strategy (NTS) and associated legislation has helped accelerate sectoral expansion. Meanwhile, the promotion of Saudi Arabia to a diverse segment of people, through the development of religious, resort and sports tourism, among other sectors, has helped...

Interview

Majed Abdulmohsen Al Hugail, CEO, Cultural Development Fund
OBG
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On efforts to boost investment while maintaining authenticity

Analysis

Centralised digital platform reshapes GCC travel ecosystem
OBG
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The travel and tourism sector contributed $247.1bn to GCC countries’ GDP in 2024, heralding a shift within the region from a phase of post-pandemic recovery to one of global leadership. This figure represents a 31.9% increase over 2019 levels, underscoring the success of large-scale diversification strategies across the bloc. The sector is on a trajectory to contribute an estimated $371.2bn to the economy by 2034, which would account for around 13.3% of regional GDP. This expansion is expected to be a catalyst for employment...

Analysis

Emerging travel destinations leverage technology advancements in tourism
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As emerging markets expand their tourism offerings and diversify visitor source markets, the sector is increasingly shaped by digitalisation, sustainability and long-term resilience planning. Governments and private operators are leveraging technology to improve visitor experiences, manage capacity and align tourism development with emissions-reduction targets, reflecting a shift towards value-driven and sustainable growth...

Oman’s tourism and hospitality sectors undergo transformative growth

In this Growth Perspectives video, OBG highlights the transformative growth of Oman's tourism and hospitality sectors, and the key factors driving it. As the sultanate sets its sights on attracting 11m tourists...

Oman Vision 2040 shaping the future of tourism and sustainability

Salim M. AlMahruqi, Oman's Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and Azzan AlBusaidi, Oman's Undersecretary of Tourism

In this Global platform video, Salim M. AlMahruqi, Oman's Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and Azzan AlBusaidi, Oman's Undersecretary of Tourism, talk about Oman Vision 2040 as a strategic plan aimed...

Tourism in Emerging Markets

Economic Views

Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman, Al Faisal Holding

On how private sector leadership is shaping Qatar’s next phase of growth

Economic View

Michael Michael, CEO, Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) and Qatar Business Events Corporation

On catering to local and global audiences with new technologies and safety measures

Economic News

The growth trajectory of religious tourism in key markets
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With many emerging markets diversifying their tourism offerings, faith-based tourism is set to become a key segment for a number of markets worldwide. An estimated 330m people travel for religious reasons each year, according to the UN Word Tourism Organisation, forming a significant market for countries with attractions of spiritual or sacred value. These trips include pilgrimages as well as sightseeing trips to important historical and religious sites throughout the year. Additionally, a 2017 study reported that some...

Economic News

The innovations that could revitalise tourism in emerging markets
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As emerging markets develop new attractions and tap into new visitor source markets, they are leveraging technology and sustainable development in line with emissions targets. Following sharp declines in 2020, international tourism figures rebounded in 2021 and were on track to reach approximately 65% of pre-pandemic levels in 2022. Notably, in September arrivals in the Middle East and the Caribbean surpassed 2019 levels by 3% and 1%, respectively...

Growth And Recovery Video

Report: The role of sustainability in post-pandemic tourism diversification in the Bahamas

Small island nations like the Bahamas that rely heavily on tourism revenue have experienced particular challenges when it comes to their post-pandemic recovery. However, development strategies based on sustainable approaches – including green, blue and orange economy initiatives – have the potential to generate reliable sources of revenue and value addition in the years ahead. Tourism will continue to be the Bahamas’ leading economic sector, but with support from international financial institutions and banks...

Economic News

How can the tourism industry achieve net zero?
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The global tourism industry – which accounted for 10% of GDP yet 8% of global emissions in 2019 – is faced with the challenge of ensuring continued growth while at the same time working towards net-zero emissions goals. Several stakeholders in emerging markets and further afield offer useful case studies to understand what a decarbonised future for the industry could look like. A report published in November last year by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme...

Growth And Recovery Video

Video: How is Peru’s tourism agenda bolstering the sector's resurgence?

Explore how Peru is leveraging its tourism sector's development as a growth driver for the rest of the economy. Our new Growth & Recovery video, produced in partnership with the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (Promperu), analyses the emergence of new drivers of growth and investment within Peru’s tourism sector. Attracted by a business-friendly regulatory environment, regional and international investors have increased investments into the sector and are pursuing new high-growth areas...

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