For Dh4,000, visitors can soon explore multiple Gulf countries

GCC Grand Tours visa

Travel enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the launch of the unified GCC tourist visa, also known as the GCC 'Grand Tours' visa, which promises unprecedented access to all six Gulf countries akin to the Schengen visa in Europe. With this visa, tourists can embark on multi-country explorations across the Gulf region, fostering intra-country travel and boosting tourism. 

Industry insiders are gearing up to introduce enticing packages tailored to meet travelers' preferences and needs. These packages are expected to include accommodation, transportation, and sightseeing activities across multiple countries, offering travelers a seamless and convenient experience. 

Rehan Asad, Vice President for Global Markets at Expedia, expressed optimism about the visa's potential to revolutionize the region's tourism sector, drawing parallels with the transformative impact of the Schengen visa in Europe. He highlighted the significance of catering to travelers' preferences, particularly the role of children in influencing destination choices within families.

Anas Anane, Associate Executive at Traveazy, emphasized the economic advantages of the GCC tourist visa, foreseeing a surge in tour packages catering to different budgets and preferences. He estimated that packages could range from Dh1,500 per person for single-country tours to Dh4,000-Dh5,000 for multi-country tours encompassing the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Mohammed Farooz, Executive Secretary at Last Minute Tourism, revealed plans for comprehensive tour packages spanning Dubai, Oman, and Qatar. These packages aim to offer travelers an immersive experience, combining the cultural richness and diverse attractions of each destination.

Ross Veitch, CEO and Co-founder of Wego, emphasized the visa's potential to attract inbound tourism and facilitate leisure and business travel among residents of GCC countries. He envisaged tourists adopting a multi-destination itinerary, akin to popular travel trends observed in Europe and Southeast Asia, leveraging the convenience and flexibility afforded by the unified GCC visa.

Overall, the impending launch of the GCC 'Grand Tours' visa heralds a new era of tourism in the Gulf region, offering travelers unparalleled access to diverse landscapes, cultures, and experiences. With innovative tour packages and enhanced convenience, the visa is poised to elevate the region's tourism industry and position it as a premier destination for global travelers.