Saudi Arabia Alongside UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait Lead GCC Tourism Growth by Turning Airports into Multi-Country Stopover Destinations

Saudi Arabia, alongside UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait, is driving GCC tourism growth by strategically transforming airports into multi-country stopover destinations, boosting economic diversification and enhancing regional connectivity.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is transforming its airports from mere transit points into thriving tourism hubs, reshaping its economies and tourism industries. Historically seen as brief layover spots, airports in countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman are now becoming essential drivers of non-oil growth, hospitality revenues, and job creation. Through a combination of streamlined visa regimes, targeted airline stopover programs, and state-of-the-art infrastructure investments, GCC nations are redefining the travel experience by turning transit passengers into full-fledged tourists.

Investment in Infrastructure and Technology

A major push toward improving passenger experience is happening across the GCC, with airports investing heavily in advanced biometric systems, e-gates, and digital border controls. These innovations aim to expedite passenger processing times and enhance airport efficiency, making short stays more accessible and practical. These initiatives, often supported by public-private partnerships, are closing the gap between passengers’ arrival at airports and their exploration of the surrounding city.

Thanks to these upgrades, travelers can now transition from their flight to a city tour in a matter of hours, even if their layover is less than 48 hours. By improving the speed of entry and departure, these airports are not only facilitating smoother travel but also boosting the potential for short-term tourism, particularly in major transit hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh.

The GCC Unified Visa: A Game Changer

One of the most anticipated developments in the region is the unified GCC tourist visa, which is currently making its way through final coordination stages. This initiative, approved in principle in 2024, will allow travelers to visit multiple GCC countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, with a single visa. The visa promises to drive a significant increase in stopover tourism by simplifying the travel process for visitors looking to explore more than one country during their trip.

The unified visa is expected to especially benefit Saudi Arabia, which is poised to expand its tourism offerings through its vast historical sites, cultural experiences, and modern cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. Travelers can now visit iconic locations in Saudi Arabia while also enjoying quick trips to neighboring cities like Dubai and Doha, creating multi-destination travel experiences in the Gulf.

Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Surge

Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of this aviation-driven tourism growth, having seen a dramatic increase in visitor numbers in recent years. In 2025, the Kingdom welcomed an estimated 122 million international visitors, nearing its ambitious target of 150 million annual visitors by 2030. With new international routes expanding the Kingdom’s aviation footprint, Saudi Arabia is not only attracting leisure tourists but also positioning itself as a major global hub for air travel.

A crucial component of Saudi Arabia’s strategy has been the introduction of a 96-hour digital stopover visa in 2023. This visa allows travelers on international flights to enter the Kingdom for up to four days, providing ample time for Umrah pilgrimages, visits to cultural sites, and exploration of Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes. This policy has enabled the Kingdom to maximize its airport traffic, converting layovers into significant economic activity across the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Short-Stay Tourism Growth Across the GCC

The success of the UAE, particularly Dubai, has set a precedent for other GCC countries to follow. Dubai’s airport, one of the busiest in the world, has become a key player in converting transit passengers into tourists. The city offers a range of curated stopover packages that include hotel stays, cultural experiences, and entertainment options, allowing visitors to explore the city’s landmarks even during a short layover.

Abu Dhabi and Doha have adopted similar strategies, with Qatar positioning itself as a leading stopover destination. Qatar Airways offers a variety of stopover packages that include accommodations, transportation, and city tours, making it easy for passengers to extend their stays and experience the country’s rich cultural heritage. Saudi Arabia’s digital stopover visa further complements these efforts, giving travelers more opportunities to explore while in transit.

The key to success for all these destinations lies in the smooth and seamless transit experience. Fast-track entry processes, intuitive airport layouts, and efficient airport-to-city transport options are critical in ensuring that travelers can make the most of their time. The more frictionless the transition from flight to city exploration, the more likely passengers are to leave the airport and engage in tourism activities.

Designing Integrated Destination Ecosystems

A successful destination is not just about tourism attractions but also about creating an integrated experience that spans the entire journey. From trip planning and booking to arrival and departure, every aspect of the traveler’s experience must be carefully coordinated. In the GCC, this means close collaboration between tourism authorities, airports, airlines, transport providers, and experience operators.

For developers like Red Sea Global, which is spearheading the creation of next-generation destinations in Saudi Arabia, the focus is on designing tourism environments that appeal to global travelers. This means crafting spaces that are not only accessible but also provide meaningful experiences that resonate with visitors, whether they’re here for a day or a week.

Airports as Destination Brands

The shift from airports as mere transit hubs to integral parts of the destination brand is a fundamental change in how the GCC is approaching tourism. By positioning airports as key components of the visitor experience, countries in the region are building world-class travel gateways that draw travelers into their cities and cultures. Investments in cutting-edge airport facilities, such as digital wayfinding and streamlined services, help ensure that travelers have a smooth and pleasant transition from flight to exploration.

The unified GCC tourist visa, coupled with investments in sustainable infrastructure, walkable districts, and waterfront developments, will further strengthen the region’s tourism appeal. As a result, airports are transforming from simple points of departure into economic engines that drive tourism spending, create jobs, and contribute to the long-term diversification of the region’s economy.

Conclusion

The transformation of GCC airports into tourism gateways is a clear reflection of the region’s broader economic diversification strategy. By capitalizing on stopover tourism, GCC nations are not only turning airports into bustling hubs of economic activity but also enhancing their global appeal as travel destinations. With investments in seamless transit experiences, unified visa systems, and integrated tourism offerings, the Gulf is positioning itself as a key player in the future of international tourism. This approach will continue to drive economic growth, create jobs, and provide visitors with unique travel experiences that extend beyond the airport terminal.

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South African Passport Now Grants Access to 101 Destinations, Including Kenya, Bolivia, and New Southeast Asia Deals

The South African passport now opens doors to 101 destinations, with exciting new visa-free access to Kenya and Bolivia, along with enhanced travel deals in Southeast Asia.

As 2026 unfolds, South African travellers have reason to celebrate with exciting new developments in the global travel landscape. The South African passport now offers visa-free access to 101 destinations worldwide, as per the latest 2026 Passport Index rankings. This includes a combination of visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, and e-visa/ETA options, making spontaneous travel plans easier and more accessible than ever before. With 59 countries granting full visa-free access, South Africans can now pack their bags and embark on international adventures without the hassle of pre-travel visa applications.

Key Additions: Kenya and Bolivia Join the Visa-Free List

Among the standout highlights of the 2026 updates are two major destinations that South Africans can now visit without the need for a traditional visa.

Kenya: After years of fluctuating visa requirements, Kenya has officially reinstated visa-free access for South Africans, allowing stays of up to 90 days. This shift is a huge win for South African travellers, especially those looking to explore East Africa’s stunning safari destinations, including the famous Masai Mara and the beaches of Mombasa. Whether you’re keen on witnessing the Great Migration or relaxing by the Indian Ocean, Kenya is now more accessible than ever.

Bolivia: South America has become even more inviting with Bolivia officially joining the ranks of visa-free countries for South African passport holders. The country now offers 90-day stays without the need for costly embassy paperwork. This opens up possibilities for visiting Bolivia’s extraordinary landscapes, such as the Salar de Uyuni salt flats and the Andean mountain ranges. Travellers will need to present their valid passport, a yellow fever vaccination certificate, proof of onward travel, and evidence of accommodation for the first night upon arrival.

A Few Setbacks: Loss of Seamless Access to Five Countries

While the updates bring significant benefits, the Henley Passport Index also notes that South Africa has lost seamless access to five countries due to shifts in diplomatic relationships over the past year. These countries—Mauritania, Nigeria, Pakistan, Kosovo, and Palestine—now require additional pre-travel authorisations or have become subject to more restrictive visa requirements, adding a layer of complexity for South African travellers to navigate in the future.

Southeast Asia: New Partnerships Boost Travel Opportunities

Southeast Asia is also proving to be an increasingly important region for South African travellers. As part of South Africa’s efforts to maintain its strong tourism growth, Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indonesia’s Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana in February 2026. This agreement, finalized during de Lille’s Southeast Asia tour—which also included stops in Singapore and Malaysia—has the potential to enhance travel opportunities between South Africa and the region.

For South Africans, the MoU promises several key benefits:

• Streamlined Immigration: The agreement aims to reduce “barrier” checks at immigration, making it easier for South African travellers to enter Indonesia.
• Halal Tourism Focus: Both nations will work to encourage Halal tourism, catering to South African visitors and fostering better cultural exchange.
• Enhanced Travel Connectivity: The MoU includes plans to fast-track the launch of direct flight routes between Cape Town and Jakarta, reducing travel time and making Indonesia even more accessible.

Beyond these travel benefits, the MoU also sets the stage for a broader collaboration. The two nations will exchange knowledge on eco-friendly park management, offer exchange programs for hospitality students, and encourage joint investments in infrastructure. Furthermore, the partnership aims to promote lesser-known destinations in both countries, moving beyond the popular spots of Bali and Cape Town to highlight more hidden gems in both nations.

The Future of South African Travel

The recent developments in global travel access and partnerships highlight a bright future for South African tourism. With easier access to a growing number of destinations and strengthened ties with countries like Indonesia, the possibilities for South African travellers are expanding rapidly. Whether exploring the African continent, venturing into South America, or discovering the beauty of Southeast Asia, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for international travel from South Africa.

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U.S. Travel Industry Calls for Urgent Congressional Action to Prevent Shutdown Impact on TSA and Travel

As a potential U.S. government shutdown looms, travel industry leaders warn that TSA funding lapses could disrupt spring break, causing delays, missed flights, and economic damage.

As the U.S. nears the potential risk of another government shutdown, a crucial concern arises just ahead of one of the busiest travel periods of the year—spring break. The looming uncertainty over funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has prompted a joint statement from key industry players, including U.S. Travel, Airlines for America, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association. They have voiced alarm over the potentially disruptive effects of a funding lapse on the travel sector, particularly for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees and the broader travel ecosystem.

In a statement, industry leaders emphasized the vital role that TSA personnel play in ensuring smooth air travel and public safety. The risk of essential TSA workers being forced to work without pay could lead to numerous issues, including increased absenteeism, call-outs, and ultimately, longer wait times for travelers. This situation, if not addressed, could result in higher chances of flight delays and cancellations, exacerbating an already stressful travel experience.

The travel industry has previously experienced firsthand the consequences of such funding lapses. During the 43-day shutdown the previous year, TSA personnel continued to work despite not being paid, a show of resilience that the organizations commend. However, the prolonged uncertainty significantly strained the system, causing a ripple effect across the travel sector. The ripple extended beyond just airports—hotels, airlines, and countless small businesses within the travel ecosystem suffered due to disrupted operations.

These shutdowns also have an enduring economic impact. Last year, the 43-day shutdown alone resulted in a staggering loss of $6 billion in economic activity, equating to nearly $140 million per day. The disruptions affected more than 6 million travelers, many of whom experienced delays and cancellations due to the understaffing of TSA checkpoints. With major events like America’s 250th anniversary and the 2026 World Cup approaching, these disruptions not only threaten the smooth flow of travelers but also jeopardize the nation’s ability to capitalize on the economic opportunities these high-profile events will generate.

As such, the need for a resolution is urgent. The statement from U.S. Travel, Airlines for America, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association stresses that Congress must take immediate action to ensure that TSA is fully funded and equipped to carry out its critical security functions. The joint statement strongly advocates for the passage of the Keep America Flying Act (S. 3031/H.R. 5851), a bipartisan proposal that would guarantee TSA officers and air traffic controllers receive pay during funding lapses. This legislation, they argue, is a common-sense solution to ensure that the nation’s aviation security personnel are properly compensated and the country’s air travel operations remain uninterrupted.

The statement concludes by underscoring the importance of securing a stable and reliable funding framework for essential federal workers, not just for the benefit of travelers but for the broader economy. A failure to act quickly could have long-term ramifications, hindering the nation’s preparedness and modernization efforts, and putting at risk the tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors that support millions of American jobs. The travel industry, which relies on smooth operations and certainty in funding, urges Congress to prioritize the passage of the Keep America Flying Act and prevent further disruption to the nation’s critical infrastructure.

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