Tourism in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is set to receive a boost with the introduction of a Schengen-style visa for tourists. According to a report by Khaleej Times, discussions have been taking place among GCC nations about the possibility of introducing a visa that would allow tourists to visit multiple countries in the region under one visa.
Fatima Al Sairafi, the Minister of Tourism for Bahrain, made the announcement during the Arabian Travel Market. She stated that the tourism sector is important for the growth of the economies in GCC countries and this new visa program would provide a better experience for visitors, allowing them to maximize their visits and cover more than one country in the region.
The Schengen-style visa is not a new concept, as it has already been implemented in Europe through the Schengen agreement. The agreement allows visitors to travel to any of the 27 member countries without the hassle of obtaining multiple visas.
Currently, the GCC countries have different visa policies, which can make it difficult for tourists to travel across multiple countries. With the introduction of the Schengen-style visa, tourists will be able to travel across multiple GCC countries with ease, making the visa process more streamlined and efficient.
The Schengen-style visa is expected to have a positive impact on tourism in GCC countries, boosting revenues and footfall for all countries in the region. Moreover, this visa system will allow GCC countries to co-promote each other and showcase their unique offerings to the tourists, resulting in a more diverse and rich travel experience.
The introduction of the Schengen-style visa is a testament to the GCC countries’ commitment to developing their tourism industry and providing a better experience for tourists. This new visa system will not only attract more tourists but also create more opportunities for businesses in the tourism sector, contributing to the growth of the economies in the GCC countries.
While no clear timeline has been given for the introduction of the Schengen-style visa, the discussions among the GCC nations indicate that it is expected to happen soon. As the tourism industry recovers from the effects of the pandemic, the introduction of this new visa system will undoubtedly be a welcome development for tourists and businesses alike.
