Kuwait aims to develop its travel industry

Authorities in Kuwait plan to invest KWD 276 million over the next ten years to boost growth of the Middle East country's travel industry

Officials in Kuwait decided to expand the country's infrastructure and transportation in order to boost tourism. With an airport passenger volume of more than 10.2 million people in 2015, the Gulf state expects further travel sector increase and revenue influx as much as KWD 457.3 million a year by 2025.

Four Seasons, Mercure Kuwait, Hilton Olympia Kuwait, Grand Hyatt, Novotel and Rotana hotel brands will expand their services with high-end properties in the Middle East state.

Moreover, Kuwait International airport is currently developing plans to enable hosting of 440.000 tourist arrivals by 2024, as presented during the recent Arabian Travel Market Exhibition.

According to the “Kuwait Travel and Tourism Economic Impact 2015” report, tourism accounted for 1.5 per cent of the country's total GDP in 2015. Despite falling oil prices, the percentage is expected to increase by 1.8 per cent by 2025. Additionally, leisure spending growth rate is estimated at 6.2 per cent per year. Business travel forecasts also show an annual 5.6 per cent increase over the next years.