The GCC’s unified tourist visa is nearly here, promising seamless travel across six countries. Plus, Accenture shares a 4-step resilience strategy for travel brands navigating economic shifts. STR pros: it’s time to think regional—and get smart with your ops.
We spotlight two developments shaping global travel: the arrival of a unified visa in the Gulf and Accenture’s blueprint for building business resilience in uncertain times.
One Visa, Six Countries: GCC Opens the Gates
After years of planning, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is preparing to roll out a unified tourist visa that allows seamless travel between Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This Schengen-style permit—expected to go live soon—will enable visitors to explore all six countries with a single application and a stay of up to 30 days across the region.
Tourism officials believe this move will:
Encourage longer, multi-country trips
Boost hotel occupancy rates across the Gulf
Position the GCC as a more competitive global travel hub
With a regional target of nearly 129 million annual visitors by 2030, the visa is a strategic step toward creating a more accessible and attractive tourism experience. For STR operators, this could open doors to more cross-border bookings and opportunities to partner with regional tour providers.
Resilience in Travel: It’s Not Just About Cutting Costs
As inflation, economic caution, and rising operational costs put pressure on travel businesses, a new opinion piece from Accenture argues that the answer isn’t just slashing budgets—it’s building smart, adaptive operations.
Here’s their four-part strategy for future-proofing:
Digital Twins – simulate real-world operations to forecast demand, test scenarios, and improve efficiency.
AI-Driven Commercial Decisions – optimise pricing, distribution, and inventory with predictive tools.
Workforce Sentiment Tracking – improve employee satisfaction and retention with real-time feedback tools.
Autonomous AI Agents – automate back-end processes and enhance guest services without increasing staff load.
The takeaway: resilience today means merging digital innovation with human-centric thinking. For STR hosts and property managers, investing in smarter systems and nurturing your team could be your strongest hedge against disruption.
Takeaways for STR Hosts
✅ Prepare for New Traveller Flows
GCC travellers may begin exploring the wider region—make sure your listings are visible to multi-country itineraries and consider translating property info or guides to suit international guests.
✅ Build Smarter Systems, Not Just Shortcuts
Audit your tech stack. Can you automate guest messaging, streamline pricing, or gain better insights into team performance?
Final Thought: Connected Regions and Resilient Brands Win
The future of tourism will be defined by openness—across borders, systems, and strategies. Whether you’re hosting in Riyadh or running operations in York, the most successful businesses will be those that embrace seamless travel and smart innovation.
Ready to elevate your direct booking game? Visit the Boostly website for the tools, strategies, and support you need to succeed in 2025 and beyond. And remember: Book Direct
