The eagerly anticipated unified GCC tourist visa is expected to enhance ‘bleisure’ travel in the region, with visitors increasingly blending business and leisure to extend their trips and explore neighboring countries. According to a report by Khaleej Times, the Gulf countries are set to implement the system for launching the single tourist visa by the end of the year, allowing visitors to explore all six countries on a single visa, akin to the Schengen countries.
Furthermore, the GCC countries’ introduction of more attractions and simplified visa procedures is attracting new tourists, while the rising prominence of regional cities as business and tourist hubs for meetings, conferences, and exhibitions is drawing in a new wave of business travelers to the UAE region. Consequently, there is a growing demand for the hospitality, travel, and tourism sector.
Rikant Pitti, co-founder of EaseMyTrip.com, believes that the unified GCC tourist visa will significantly enhance ‘bleisure’ travel from India to the UAE and the wider region. He notes a trend where Indian travelers to the UAE are extending their stays to maximize their trips, especially with the introduction of the new visa.
Pitti highlights the substantial trend in India where corporate travelers come to the UAE with their families, aiming to blend business and leisure and explore multiple destinations. He emphasizes the attractions offered by both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana, observes an increase in ‘bleisure’ travel as guests extend their business trips to explore more of what the UAE and its neighboring countries have to offer. He mentions Rotana’s ability to cater to diverse travel needs with various accommodation options.
As the region focuses on enhancing its tourism offerings with investments, strategies, and streamlined visa procedures, Barnes notes a growing trend among travelers to visit multiple countries per trip. He also highlights the role of the MICE sector in driving demand in the UAE.
Vincent Miccolis identifies a growing demand for flexible accommodation and travel among both business and leisure travelers in the GCC. He notes a significant increase in long-term stays across regional properties in cities like Dubai, Riyadh, Al Khobar, and Doha. Miccolis also observes a rise in long-term bookings from leisure travelers during holiday periods, indicating the GCC’s appeal as a prime destination for extended stays across all segments of travelers.
