Kuwait city: Kuwait is aiming to establish itself as a prominent cultural and family tourism destination by 2025 through innovative national projects and gaining international recognition, as stated by Minister of Information, Culture and Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi. Al-Mutairi emphasized Kuwait's substantial tourism potential, which combines authenticity with modernity, during a statement on Saturday.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Mutairi noted Kuwait's election in February to chair the UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East, highlighting it as evidence of global confidence in Kuwait's role in tourism development. He also mentioned that tourism advancement aligns with directives from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, focusing on infrastructure enhancement and showcasing cultural identity.
The minister announced the upcoming launch of the 'Visit Kuwait' platform in November, which aims to offer comprehensive electronic services for visitors and investors in collaboration with the private sector. The platform, supported by a smart assistant named 'Rashid', will provide access to various services, including hospitality, restaurants, transport, sports, and entertainment, while fostering tourism investment and promotion.
Al-Mutairi highlighted promising prospects for tourism in Kuwait, with plans to attract foreign investment, expand private sector collaborations, and boost domestic tourism. He also mentioned Kuwait's commitment to innovative initiatives and regional tourism cooperation during its leadership tenure.
Since 2025 began, Kuwait has seen a resurgence in tourism activities, hosting cultural, artistic, and sports events that emphasize its heritage and modern hospitality. The forthcoming launch of 'Visit Kuwait' is anticipated to enhance Kuwait's tourism image and open new opportunities for growth.
Regionally, Gulf States are experiencing significant tourism growth, with the UN Tourism Middle East office in Riyadh supporting sustainable tourism progress since 2021. According to the organization, international arrivals to the Middle East in the first half of 2025 increased by 29 percent compared to 2019, with countries like Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, and Egypt seeing notable gains.
Globally, UN Tourism reported 690 million international tourists between January and June 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by four percent. The UN World Tourism Organization forecasts global travel demand to grow by 3-5 percent in 2025, despite challenges such as high transport and accommodation costs, inflation, geopolitical tensions, customs tariffs, and travel restrictions.
The UN organization, comprising 160 member states, six associate members, and over 500 affiliate members from various sectors worldwide, aims to promote tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability.