Enhanced connectivity and the removal of visa barriers are set to establish the Asia-GCC corridor as the Middle East’s primary engine for travel sector growth, according to experts gathered at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026. The panel, moderated by Dragon Trail International’s Sienna Parulis-Cook, featured insights from regional leaders including Shahab Abdollah Shayan of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Aaron Goldring of Oxford Economics, Pulse Hotels & Resorts’ Frederic Brohez, and the World Tourism Cities Federation’s Waad Melliti.
Data provided by Oxford Economics underscores the rapid acceleration of these travel flows. Goldring noted that 2025 saw a record influx of 165 million overnight guests traveling from the Asia-Pacific region into the GCC. This volume represents a 160% increase over the preceding six-year period, a trajectory maintained despite the intervening global pandemic. Furthermore, the region experienced a 10% rise in visitors from China, alongside consistent growth from the critical Indian market.
Policymakers have actively targeted accessibility to capitalize on these trends. Shayan highlighted the deliberate efforts by Dubai to dismantle travel barriers, specifically pointing to the 2016 implementation of visa-free access for Chinese travelers to the UAE. The impact of such reforms is evident in bidirectional flow; Melliti reported that as of 2018, Chinese authorities granted visa-free coverage across all GCC nations. Consequently, arrivals from the six GCC countries into China reached 150,000 in 2025, marking a 100% year-on-year increase from 2024.
As tourism volumes rise, hospitality operators are shifting their strategies to match evolving traveler expectations. Brohez emphasized the necessity for brands to curate specific, experiential products that resonate with high-value customers across the Asia-GCC corridor. Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director at RX Global, added that the combined commitment of public and private sector entities to streamline border processes is effectively generating long-term economic dividends by fostering easier cross-regional exploration.
In a parallel development designed to expand seasonal accessibility, Jazeera Airways has unveiled its inaugural winter flight service connecting Kuwait and Prague. The carrier plans to operate two direct flights weekly starting December 17, extending a route typically reserved for summer schedules through February 7, 2027. This timing aligns with regional school winter breaks and festive holiday travel periods.
Jazeera Airways CEO Barathan Pasupathi stated that the expansion addresses growing market demand for winter travel, offering passengers a chance to experience Prague’s seasonal markets and historic landscapes in a distinct atmosphere. The project, realized in partnership with CzechTourism, seeks to deepen bilateral ties. Barbara Andelová of CzechTourism noted that the new service simplifies travel for Kuwaiti residents, allowing them to engage with Czechia’s cultural landmarks during the winter months, further solidifying the strong tourism relationship between the two nations. The report also notes that and we had a pandemic in the middle of that, that’s more than 160% higher in just six years. The report also notes that which is a huge market already and very important to the UAE. [The GCC also saw] 10% growth from China during that period.”, there has been significant growth from key source markets like India. The report also notes that commenting on the steps Dubai has taken to encourage and facilitate inbound travel from China, Shayan said: “One of the first things you need to consider when you want to double down on a market is accessibility, so we looked at how we could remove the barrier of visas for Chinese travellers coming into Dubai and the UAE. The report also notes that in 2016, we managed to actually achieve that. The report also notes that offering her perspective on the impact that visa-related reforms have had on the volumes of people travelling from the GCC to Asia – with specific reference to China – Melliti said: “China achieved complete visa-free coverage across all the GCC countries in 2018, and the numbers are extremely encouraging. The report also notes that speaking on evolving consumer expectations and what they mean for hospitality brands located along the Asia-GCC corridor, Brohez said: “From an operator’s perspective, it’s about making sure we’re creating the right product, that we’re targeting it at the right customer and through the right channels. The report also notes that of course, but also across Asia and the world – we are keen to bring new brands to life to reflect that.”, as we see travellers look for experiential holidays and vacations – from the GCC.