Mubasher: The number of Chinese visitors to the GCC regions is expected to soar 81% to 2.9 million in 2022, compared to 1.6 million in 2018, a report released by Colliers International in partnership with Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2019 said.
These numbers may rise to further proportions as some estimates show that the number of Chinese tourists worldwide could reach 400 million by 2030.
China has solidified its ties with the GCC in recent years, which resulted from the creation of new direct airline routes and the boost of the Chinese economy, the report found.
“Over the years, sentiment at ATM has reflected the growth in Chinese tourists to the GCC and today we have seen more hotel and travel professionals than ever before eager to capitalise on the significant opportunities presented by the Chinese market,” exhibition director ME, ATM, Danielle Curtis commented.
Saudi Arabia is expected to be the major beneficiary of the growth of the Chinese tourist figures on the back of many factors including the educational exchanges, Colliers International’s data showed.
Meanwhile, the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait are expected to attract more Chinese visitors due to the growth in their compound annual growth rate (CAGR).
“In the UAE, China is the fifth largest source market behind India, Saudi Arabia, the UK and Oman. Over the last 12 months,” the report noted.
