Kuwait city: United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili has praised Kuwait's significant contribution to regional tourism development, highlighting its strategic cooperation and dialogue with Middle Eastern countries to promote shared goals and ambitions.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Pololikashvili spoke in an interview on World Tourism Day, emphasizing Kuwait's leadership of the UNWTO Middle East Regional Committee for 2025-2027. He described this position as a strategic responsibility, illustrating Kuwait's dedication to tourism and its potential to enhance regional collaboration, translating common priorities into practical, actionable steps.
Pololikashvili noted that Kuwait has been a founding member of UNWTO since 1975, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to tourism development that aligns with the National Development Plan (New Kuwait 2035). This plan focuses on enhancing Kuwait's international standing, sustainability, digitalization, and innovation in the tourism sector.
During the 51st meeting of the Middle East Regional Committee in Doha, Pololikashvili observed a robust political will among member states to boost cooperation in sports, educational, and luxury tourism. He emphasized that Kuwait is well-positioned to lead these efforts, fostering synergy among GCC countries and addressing common challenges such as climate change and economic diversification.
Pololikashvili confirmed that UNWTO will fully support Kuwait in its leadership role, reinforcing regional cooperation and achieving shared priorities. The Middle East regional office in Riyadh will continue to play a crucial technical role in facilitating these initiatives.
He highlighted the Gulf region's increasing influence within UNWTO, marked by stronger political representation and the launch of strategic initiatives. Pololikashvili also announced that Sheikha Al-Nuaimi, an Emirati entrepreneur, will become the first woman to lead the organization as Secretary-General in 2026.
The UNWTO Online Tourism Academy has registered over 30,000 students, with a significant female representation, supported by regional partners. This initiative underscores the region's focus on human capital development through advanced educational and professional programs.
Pololikashvili affirmed that the launch of the Middle East regional office in 2021 enhanced UNWTO's operational capacity, enabling smoother collaboration and strengthening connections to the regional tourism ecosystem.
The GCC countries' commitment to tourism as a primary driver for economic diversification is evident in their strategic models promoting sustainability and competitiveness. Despite global uncertainties, the Gulf region has shown adaptability and dynamism in advancing the tourism sector.
Kuwait achieved a remarkable 151 percent increase in tourism revenues in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels, reflecting effective strategic tourism planning. Saudi Arabia also reported a significant growth in international tourism expenditure in 2024, highlighting its status as a major tourism source market.
Major events such as the FIFA World Cup and Formula 1 races have positioned GCC countries as leading hosts for global events, combining investment, innovation, and sustainability to transform the region's tourism image internationally.
UNWTO will continue supporting GCC countries through technical assistance and collaboration platforms, ensuring tourism remains a tool for inclusive, sustainable development. The Middle East received 101 million international tourists in 2024, an eight percent increase from 2023, highlighting the region's strong recovery and leadership in innovative tourism sectors.
UNWTO views the future with optimism, as the region benefits from sustained demand and strategic focus on diversifying tourism products. GCC countries are expected to maintain or exceed global average growth rates, recognizing tourism as a strategic driver for regional development.