The resilience of Gulf tourism will depend on preparedness and collaboration as the region navigates geopolitical disruption and plans for future growth, policymakers said on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai on Monday, 14 September.
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Speaking at the event's Global Stage, representatives from the UAE, Bahrain, the European Commission, Uzbekistan and UN Tourism highlighted the importance of relationships built before crises occur, alongside the economic importance of tourism to Gulf economies.
UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said the foundations built by the UAE's tourism sector over the past 50 years had helped the country respond to recent disruption.
“Everyone talks about tourism resiliency; I talk about tourism foundations. Because what has been built over the last 50 years is the foundation of what we [have seen in recent] months. We saw the storm, we were in the middle of the storm, and we managed to manoeuvre ourselves perfectly.”
Preparedness starts before the next crisis
UN Tourism Secretary-General H.E. Shaikha Al Nuwais said tourism destinations need to establish relationships and information-sharing mechanisms before a crisis occurs rather than attempting to build them during one.
“The countries that handle crises best are the ones that prepare before they happen, and I’m sure you will all agree with me on that. They build relationships early, they share information and they build trust – and that matters enormously.
“When the next challenge comes, we are ready,” H.E. Al Nuwais continued. “Ready because we learned. Ready because we already knew who to call. Ready because we built [resilience] together long before we needed it. And that is the resilience I believe this region can show the world.”
The comments came during a ministerial debate involving Al Marri, Al Nuwais, Bahrain's Minister of Tourism H.E. Fatima Jaafar Al Sairafi, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas and Uzbekistan Tourism Committee Chairman Abdulaziz Akkulov.
Tourism's economic weight raises stakes
The scale of tourism's contribution to Gulf economies was another focus of the discussion.
Al Sairafi said tourism contributes more than 11% of GDP across Gulf countries, above the global average of around 10%.
“The global average [GDP] tourism contribution is around 10%, and when you look at the [GDP] tourism contribution in Gulf countries, it’s more than 11%. That number on its own solidifies the Gulf countries’ positioning in the tourism landscape, and it also shows you the potential – not just the current potential but also the future potential – of enhancing tourism in our countries.”
The contribution makes tourism resilience an economic issue for governments as well as a concern for travel businesses, particularly as Gulf destinations continue to expand their tourism sectors and diversify their economies.
EU signals continued support for Gulf tourism
Tzitzikostas said the European Union viewed the UAE and Gulf countries as partners and allies, adding that recent tourism figures indicated a recovery.
“I’m here to convey a very strong message today. The European Union stands by its friends, its allies and its partners, and for us, the UAE and Gulf countries are indeed partners and allies. And I’m here to support you in this difficult time. I’m happy to see that this difficult time is almost over – that the numbers are showing us that there is a turnaround, and that we are going back on track. And please know that the European Union is here to make sure that this path for you will continue to be successful.”
Akkulov drew parallels between the GCC's approach and Uzbekistan's efforts to strengthen tourism cooperation, citing partnerships with Azerbaijan and UN Tourism as part of the country's efforts to establish itself as a regional hub for industry collaboration.
The discussion comes as Gulf destinations continue to build international tourism demand while facing the operational and demand risks associated with geopolitical disruption.
ATM turns to tourism technology and future demand
ATM 2026 is being held at Dubai World Trade Centre from 14 to 17 September under the theme Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology.
The wider programme is examining artificial intelligence, digital transformation, smart mobility and changing traveller expectations, including their implications for tourism businesses and destinations.
The opening day featured seven sessions on the Global Stage, covering topics including live experiences and technology-enabled luxury tourism.
Now in its 33rd edition, ATM brings together travel and tourism businesses and policymakers from international markets. The event continues at Dubai World Trade Centre until Thursday, 17 September.
