KUWAIT –  The government of Kuwait has revealed plans to build a modern tourism city comprising hotels and other amenities at a total cost of KD 550 million (US$1.8 billion).

The tourism city will be built on an area of 1.4 million square meters, comprising hotels, restaurants, a tourism resort, a water park, a zoo, theatres, botanical gardens, a golf course, and other facilities.

According to the Arabic Language Daily Alqabas, following the government’s approval of the project, the General Organization for Social Insurance is tasked with overseeing its implementation.

Oliver Wyman, a consultancy firm, has already been awarded a US$1.5 million contract to carry out a feasibility study for the tourism city in the Northern Al-Jahra governorate.

The tourism city is part of Kuwait’s strategy of enhancing its tourism sector and leveraging its potential. Through the Kuwait Vision 2035 (New Kuwait), the government strives to diversify the country’s economy, reduce dependence on oil, improve the quality of life for its citizens, and transform Kuwait into a commercial and financial hub.

According to Report Linker, an analytics firm, the travel & tourism market in Kuwait is expected to generate a revenue of US$973.9 million and is projected to grow at an annual combined annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.98% between 2024 and 2029.

This projected growth should result in an estimated market volume of US$1.128 billion by 2029.

The hotel micro-sector is the largest in the overall travel and tourism industry, with an expected revenue of US$353.7 million by the end of the year. The micro-sector is predicted to reach 1.8 million users by 2029, which should represent a penetration rate of 56.8% based on the current investment plans.

Through such investments in tourism infrastructure and facilities, Kuwait is expected to leverage its rich culture, ancient history, and unique cuisine to attract visitors worldwide.

The government also revealed plans to renovate museums and promoting cultural festivals and international exhibitions as part of this tourism expansion strategy.

Kuwait joins a host of other Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia that have intensified their investments in tourism as a means of reducing overreliance on oil.

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