Mubasher: The value added by the travel and tourism sector to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the GCC nations increased by 31.90% to $247.10 billion in 2024, when compared to 2019.

The sector’s contribution to the region’s GDP is expected to reach 13.30% by 2034, equivalent to $371.20 billion, Emirates News Agency (WAM) cited the GCC Statistical Centre.

Last year, the tourism sector contributed to employment with a total value of $4.30 billion. By 2034, the sector is expected to generate around 1.30 million new jobs.

In 2024, the sector’s value added to employment amounted to $4.30 billion, a growth of 24.90% compared to 2019. It is further expected that the sector will generate around 1.30 million new jobs by 2034.

The sector also serves as a platform for empowerment, boosting youth and women’s participation in the labour market.

Women accounted for 13% of the sector’s workforce in 2024, reflecting a growth of 73.20% since 2019.