KUWAIT CITY, Jan 27: Kuwait is intensifying its efforts to bring about a significant transformation in its tourism sector through a series of ambitious projects that align with global sustainable tourism trends. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy aimed at achieving comprehensive and integrated economic development for the country.

The government's efforts to boost tourism are focused on several key areas, including the development of tourism facilities, the establishment of new high-quality projects, the enhancement of investment opportunities within the sector, and the strengthening of infrastructure. Additionally, policies are being adopted to support the travel and tourism industries, alongside initiatives to promote cultural and recreational activities.

Recently, Kuwait has formed strategic partnerships with both local and international companies in the tourism and entertainment sectors, which have led to the successful execution of various entertainment events and projects. Notable developments include the opening of Winter Wonderland Kuwait, the largest entertainment complex in the country, the launch of the South Al-Sabah Park project, and the first phase of the development of Al-Blajat Beach.

The country is also preparing to use its national holiday celebrations as part of a broader strategy to restore Kuwait’s position as a leading tourist and entertainment destination in the region. The Ya Hala shopping festival, which runs from January 21 to March 31, is designed to achieve multiple objectives, including promoting domestic tourism, attracting Gulf tourism, and boosting commercial activity.

The Permanent Committee for Celebrating National Holidays and Occasions aims to increase tourism spending within Kuwait by 15 to 25 percent during the festival period compared to the same time last year, when total spending amounted to KWD 170.1 million. The festival is expected to contribute to a reduction in outbound tourism spending, which reached KWD 4.39 billion in 2023, while also enhancing domestic tourism and supporting the local economy by stimulating various sectors.

As part of the New Kuwait Vision 2035, the government has incorporated tourism sector development into the country’s economic and financial program. This includes plans to improve the business environment and increase Kuwait's competitiveness in the regional service economy. These efforts aim to drive economic diversification and further activate the tourism sector.

In 2023, Kuwait’s international tourism revenues grew by 41.9 percent compared to 2019, reaching $1.7 billion. The number of tourists arriving in Kuwait from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries reached approximately 20,000, reflecting the country’s growing appeal as a regional tourism hub.

The third edition of the Al-Makash project, which opened on November 16, attracted around 150,000 visitors, including citizens, residents, and tourists from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This project has become a major attraction, contributing significantly to the revival of the local economy and the activation of the tourism sector.

In line with the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the government has prioritized the development of heritage sites. The First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, announced that His Highness the Amir has instructed the government and governors to establish a second "Mubarakiya" area in Jahra Governorate and another in Ahmadi.

Kuwait continues to enhance joint Arab and Gulf cooperation to develop the tourism sector and build partnerships with other countries. Recently, Kuwait signed an executive program for tourism cooperation with Bahrain for the years 2024, 2025, and 2026. This agreement covers various areas, including the exchange of expertise, tourism marketing, joint tourism events, and promoting tourism between GCC countries.

Additionally, Kuwait signed agreements with Tunisia and Tajikistan for tourism cooperation, covering the years 2025-2027 and 2024-2026, respectively. These agreements aim to further strengthen bilateral ties and enhance tourism collaboration.

At the Gulf level, Kuwait is working to boost tourism in the region through the Gulf Tourism Strategy 2023-2030. This strategy aims to improve the region’s tourism standing and economy through collaborative efforts.

Internationally, Kuwait is gaining increasing attention for its unique tourism assets and initiatives. The World Tourism Organization’s Regional Committee for the Middle East elected Kuwait as Vice-Chairman in 2023, and the country also gained membership in the Credentials Committee of the organization for the first time since its establishment in 1975. The organization has highlighted Kuwait's full potential to become a global tourist destination, furthering the country’s goals for sustainable tourism development.

The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization, Zurab Pololikashvili, recently praised Kuwait’s efforts to promote tourism through its New Kuwait 2035 vision, which aims to diversify the economy and income sources. Pololikashvili emphasized that Kuwait’s cultural events and festivals have successfully brought local communities and visitors together, fostering unity and understanding. He also highlighted the country’s potential as an attractive destination, owing to its rich culture, ancient history, and modern tourism infrastructure.

Kuwait is also rapidly enhancing its infrastructure, focusing on land, sea, and air transportation networks under the Cohesive Infrastructure Construction Program. The 2024/2025 Development Plan allocates funding to implement several key policies and development projects, including the expansion of coastal areas, Failaka Island, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, the Northern Economic Zone, and the Kuwait Railway Project.

The Tourism Enterprises Company is leading several tourism and entertainment initiatives aimed at diversifying income sources, creating job opportunities for Kuwaitis, and supporting economic growth. Projects on the agenda include the South Nuwaiseeb Rest House, the South Sabahiya Park, and the Mangaf Park Project, which is set to open in 2026. Other projects include the Messilah Beach and Waterfront Development Projects, with the first phase of the latter already completed.

The company is also focused on the Al Aqila Beach project, which will span 57,000 square meters and offer recreational, sports, and water activities by 2026. Other developments, such as the Burj Al Hamam restaurants, the former hospitality village, the yacht club, and the docks complex, are expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Furthermore, the company has completed the feasibility study for the Al Khiran Park project, which will cover 800,000 square meters and include two hotels with a total of 300 rooms, as well as 200 chalets equipped to the highest international standards.

The Arabian Gulf Cup (Gulf 26) football tournament, hosted by Kuwait from December 21, 2024, to January 4, marked a significant milestone in using tourism activities to boost the local economy. The event led to nearly 100% occupancy at many hotels, while spending in the restaurant and beverage sector surged by more than 30% in December 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. In light of this success, the relevant authorities are exploring various economic initiatives aimed at stimulating commercial and tourism activities in the country. These initiatives include fostering successful partnerships between the public and private sectors to strengthen Kuwait’s position as a key economic and tourist destination in the region.

In a meeting last July, the Council of Ministers emphasized the importance of cooperation between government agencies to accelerate the completion of entertainment and tourism projects. This followed a visual presentation from the Tourism Enterprises Company outlining the progress of its ongoing projects.

Kuwait’s tourism sector has a long history of growth. It began in 1962 with the establishment of the Kuwait Hotels Company, which laid the foundation for the country’s tourism industry. The 1970s saw a surge in interest when the Tourism Department was created under the Ministry of Guidance and Information (now the Ministry of Information). During this period, many initiatives and programs were launched to promote tourism, attract visitors, and host international events, conferences, and tournaments.

In 1976, Kuwait further developed its tourism industry by establishing the Tourism Enterprises Company, which became a leading tourism organization in the Arabian Gulf. The company took on the responsibility of developing and managing numerous entertainment and tourism facilities throughout the country.

From 2002 to 2006, the tourism sector, first under the Ministry of Information and later under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, played a crucial role in diversifying tourism activities and establishing partnerships between public and private sectors to promote tourism development.

Kuwait offers a wide variety of attractions to suit different interests, from historical and cultural sites to shopping, entertainment, and nature. Notable attractions include the historic Mubarakiya Market, which showcases the authenticity of Kuwait, modern shopping malls, and the scenic Arabian Gulf coast, which features landmarks like the Kuwait Towers and Souq Sharq.

The country is also home to the Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Kuwait, as well as important historical sites such as Failaka Island, Seif Palace, and the Red Palace. Additionally, Kuwait boasts beautiful nature reserves, including the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Nature Reserve and the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Marine Reserve, which contribute to the country’s growing tourism appeal.