Visa-Free Access Fuels Record Asia-GCC Tourism Surge
Overnight guests from Asia-Pacific to the Gulf Cooperation Council reached 165 million in 2025, marking a 160% increase over six years, driven by eased entry rules and stronger connectivity.
Asia-GCC Travel Corridor Poised for Growth
Industry leaders at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai indicated that improved connectivity, along with simplified travel procedures and visa-free access, could establish the Asia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) corridor as a significant engine for the Middle East’s travel sector.
The discussions, moderated by Sienna Parulis-Cook, Director of Marketing and Communications at Dragon Trail International, brought together key representatives from organisations including the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Oxford Economics, Pulse Hotels & Resorts, and the World Tourism Cities Federation.
The ATM 2026 event, held under the theme 'Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology', explored how digital transformation and evolving traveller expectations are shaping the future of tourism.
Record Arrivals from Asia-Pacific to GCC in 2025
Data presented by Aaron Goldring, Senior Economist at Oxford Economics, revealed a record influx of nearly 165 million overnight guests from Asia-Pacific countries into the GCC in 2025. This figure represents a robust 160% increase over a six-year period, despite the intervening global pandemic.
Goldring also noted substantial growth from key source markets, particularly India, which remains crucial for the UAE. Additionally, China contributed to this expansion, showing a 10% growth in arrivals to the GCC during the same timeframe.
These figures underscore the growing appeal of GCC destinations for Asian travellers and the effectiveness of strategies aimed at enhancing accessibility.
Visa Reforms Boost Bilateral Flows
Visa policy reforms have played a critical role in stimulating travel in both directions. Shahab Abdollah Shayan, Regional Director Asia Pacific at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, pointed to visa-free access and advanced payment infrastructure as vital for attracting Chinese visitors. Dubai and the UAE successfully removed visa barriers for Chinese travellers in 2016.
Furthermore, efforts were made to ensure payment systems like Alipay and WeChat Pay were widely accepted across the city, removing significant obstacles for Chinese visitors. Conversely, Waad Melliti, Senior Business Manager at the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), highlighted that China extended complete visa-free coverage to all GCC countries in 2018.
This policy led to over 150,000 arrivals to China from the six GCC nations in 2025, a 100% increase from 2024, with Saudi Arabian and UAE arrivals rising by approximately 110% and 113% respectively.
What This Means for Asian Travellers and Operators
The increasing ease of travel between Asia and the GCC presents clear opportunities for both travellers and industry stakeholders. Frederic Brohez, Chief Operating Officer at Pulse Hotels & Resorts, stressed the need for hospitality providers to adapt offerings to changing traveller preferences, particularly for those seeking experiential holidays from the GCC and across Asia.
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE, RX Global, affirmed the Asia-GCC corridor as a vast opportunity for the travel and tourism industry.
For Asian travellers, this trend means more accessible destinations and potentially more tailored services, while operators must continue to invest in infrastructure and product development that caters specifically to these growing markets.
The sustained efforts by public and private sectors in both regions to facilitate accessible, visa-free travel are expected to generate further dividends in visitor numbers and economic growth.
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