Kuwait City: Kuwait is making significant strides toward transforming its tourism sector as part of a broad development strategy. Relevant authorities are actively developing tourist facilities, planning new investment projects, and updating infrastructure to support travel, entertainment, and cultural businesses.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Kuwait has recently formed partnerships with local and international tourist and entertainment companies, resulting in initiatives like the Winter Wonderland entertainment complex and the development of Al-Sabahiya park and the beach area in Salmiya district.
Authorities are also working to diversify activities for upcoming national occasions to attract tourists from the Gulf region. The "Ya Hala" shopping festival, planned as part of this new approach, aims to boost the tourism sector alongside the commercial sphere. The Permanent Committee for Celebrating Eids and National Occasions hopes to increase tourist expenditures by 15-25 percent during the festival compared to 2024, when it reached KD 170.1 million.
In alignment with tourism development, Kuwait is enhancing its business environment and service economy competitiveness in the Gulf. Kuwait experienced a 41.9 percent growth in international tourism in 2019, with foreign tourists contributing an estimated USD 1.7 billion. The third "mekashat" leisure site, inaugurated in November, attracted 150,000 visitors, including citizens from the GCC countries.
In accordance with guidelines by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the government prioritizes developing heritage sites. Agreements for tourist cooperation have been signed with Bahrain, Tunisia, and Tajikistan, focusing on exchanging expertise, organizing joint activities, and boosting promotion for the coming years.
Kuwait is also involved in the Gulf Tourism Strategy (2023-30) to attract more tourists to the region. The Middle East committee of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has elected Kuwait as the deputy chair and member of the designation documents committee for the first time. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili praised Kuwait's tourism initiatives as part of the 2033 new Kuwait vision, aiming to diversify the economy and income resources.
The Touristic Enterprises Company spearheads various ventures, including the South Nuwaiseeb resting compound and park developments in South Al-Sabahiya and Al-Mangaf. The company is also overseeing projects like Al-Egaila, featuring entertainment and sports compounds, and examining the feasibility of the Khairan resort.
The Gulf Cup tournament held in Kuwait provided an opportunity to expand connected activities and benefit the tourist and recreation sectors, with hotels reaching full occupancy and increased spending on restaurants and cafes. The tourism sector, established in 1962, has grown with the establishment of the tourism department and various attractive activities since the 1970s.
Kuwait boasts numerous lucrative landmarks, including Al-Mubarakiya market, developed seaside areas, the towers, Souq Sharq, and other shopping malls. The country is also renowned for the Grand Mosque, historic sites, islands, Al-Ahmar palace, and natural reserves.