Tourist Map - Britain. Illustration: 123rf Britain is expected to experience a record increase in visitors from the Middle East in 2025, with tourists from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries expected to collectively spend £3.5 billion - a 27% increase from 2024, according to the latest inbound tourism forecast by VisitBritain.
The number of tourists from GCC countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait, is expected to reach 1.4 million this year, an increase of 8% compared to last year.
Visitors from the United Arab Emirates alone will increase by 10% to 548,000, while their total spending in the UK is expected to grow by 22% to £1.1 billion.
Saudi Arabia is expected to contribute the largest growth in expenditure (29%), with about 320,000 visitors contributing £942 million to the UK economy.
Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain, emphasized the importance of the Middle Eastern market, stating: "Visitors from GCC countries, including the UAE, are very important visitor markets for Britain, and it’s fantastic to see the continued strong growth forecast in visits and spending."
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, launched in October 2023, has led to attracting more GCC visitors.
The £10 scheme was initially available only for Qatari travelers and was expanded in February 2024 to citizens of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
The ETA allows multiple entries to the UK over a two-year period, significantly enhancing travel accessibility. Middle Eastern tourists were chosen for the program because they have the highest rate of repeat visits - 75% of travelers from the UAE visit Britain multiple times.
To further boost the interest of GCC travelers, VisitBritain launched a new campaign, "Starring GREAT Britain", highlighting Britain’s film and TV locations as must-visit destinations.
"From visiting our vibrant cities and world-class attractions to enjoying our stunning countryside and exciting culture, we want to inspire more visitors from the Middle East to experience Britain," noted Patricia Yates.
Overall, Britain is expected to welcome 43.4 million international visitors in 2025, a 5% increase from 2024, with total inbound tourism spending expected to reach £33.7 billion, a 7% increase compared to last year.
British Tourism Minister Chris Bryant highlighted Britain’s long-term vision: "With bustling cities, beautiful countryside, famous historical sights, and top-notch culture, we want to attract 50 million international visitors a year by 2030. This forecast shows we’re on the right track."