Saturday, July 13, 2024
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Kuwait, a small but wealthy country, is nestled at the tip of the Persian Gulf, bordered by Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Renowned for its vast oil reserves, which fuel its high-income economy, Kuwait holds a significant position in the global energy market. The capital, Kuwait City, is known for its modern architecture, ranging from skyscrapers like the Al Hamra Tower to the iconic Kuwait Towers. The country has a rich cultural heritage, seen in its well-preserved maritime traditions and vibrant arts scene. Kuwaitis enjoy a high standard of living and a blend of traditional values and modern lifestyle, making it a unique Middle Eastern gem.
Kuwait’s Travel & Tourism Sector Set to Surge: Predicts $1,088 Million Revenue by 2024
By 2024, Kuwait’s travel and tourism industry is projected to bring in revenues of $1,088 million. This sector is forecasted to grow at an annual rate of 4.02% from 2024 to 2028, culminating in an expected market volume of $1,274 million by the end of 2028. In 2022, international tourist arrivals in Kuwait reached around three million, showing a slight increase from the previous year. In comparison, 2019 saw the highest number of international tourists, totaling 8.6 million.
Kuwait’s tourism industry is set to experience significant expansion in the next five years, as tourism revenues are anticipated to hit around $21.4 billion by 2028. This represents a growth from roughly $18 billion in 2023, equating to an average annual growth rate of 2.8%. Projected tourist arrivals are expected to reach nearly 11.8 million by 2028, increasing from about 9.8 million in 2023, which indicates an average annual growth rate of 2.9%.
Nationals from the countries listed below are eligible for a visa on arrival or eVisa, facilitating their entry into Kuwait:
Citizens of the following EU countries, which are not part of the Schengen Area, can also secure a visa on arrival or eVisa for Kuwait:
Residents of these American countries have access to Kuwait’s eVisa or visa on arrival:
Individuals from these nations in the Asia-Pacific region are entitled to an eVisa or visa on arrival in Kuwait:
Citizens of the following additional European countries are eligible for Kuwait’s visa on arrival or eVisa options:
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Exploring Kuwait: A Guide to the Must-Visit Destinations
1. Kuwait City: The capital city is a treasure trove of attractions, from the iconic Kuwait Towers to the expansive Grand Mosque. This vibrant metropolis offers a rich tapestry of sights that encapsulate the essence of Kuwait.
2. Hawalli: Once a home to a large Palestinian community, Hawalli is a cultural melting pot with residents from Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Pakistan, Lebanon, and India. Positioned in the eastern part of Kuwait, it represents the diverse cultural fabric of the nation.
3. Kubbar Island: Located 30 kilometers off the southern coast in the Persian Gulf, Kubbar Island is known as Kuwait’s party hotspot. This small island, surrounded by transparent waters and sandy shores, is perfect for vibrant beach parties.
4. Salwa: Nestled between Rumaithiya and Messila, Salwa is notable for its cultural diversity, housing communities from Britain, Egypt, Asia, and Kuwait itself. This city is a significant part of the Hawalli governorate and a hub of multicultural interactions.
5. Salmiya: A paradise for shopping enthusiasts, Salmiya offers endless shopping experiences from plush malls to traditional markets. Whether it’s Kuwaiti delicacies, handcrafted gifts, or ornamental teapots, Salmiya has something for everyone.
Top Attractions in Kuwait
Grand Mosque: Renowned for its majestic architecture, the Grand Mosque is a cultural landmark in Kuwait, drawing tourists worldwide with its grand celebrations and religious gatherings.
Liberation Tower: Standing as a symbol of Kuwait’s rich heritage, the Liberation Tower is the second tallest building in the country and serves as a vital telecommunications hub.
Kuwait Towers: This trio of towers on Arabian Gulf Street is a quintessential landmark, featuring a revolving viewing sphere that offers panoramic views of Kuwait City.
Green Island: As Kuwait’s first artificial island, Green Island is a popular escape with a waterfront park perfect for picnics and leisure activities, set against a backdrop of lush landscaping.
Al Shaheed Park: For those seeking tranquility within the city, Al Shaheed Park offers botanical gardens, serene lake views, and various dining and shopping options, making it a prime destination for relaxation and leisure.
Waldorf Astoria Kuwait
Grand Hyatt Kuwait
The St. Regis Kuwait
Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya
Marina Hotel
Kuwait’s Popular Beaches Showcase Stunning Scenery and Activities
Messilah Beach stands out as one of Kuwait’s most cherished private beaches, extending from the iconic Kuwaiti Towers to the Al-Bedaa region.
Al Khiran Beach, known as the country’s beach capital, delights visitors with its artificial canals, lush palm trees, fine sand, swimming pools, barbecue areas, and a top-notch supermarket.
Al Kout Beach offers a vast expanse of white sand along the Persian Gulf, hosting vibrant family-oriented activities and waterside leisure, making it one of Kuwait’s premier beach destinations.
Located in an urban setting, Fintas Beach is a public beach in Kuwait featuring smooth water access, although the seabed has many stones. It offers green spaces, a children’s playground, and a small gym, making it perfect for both adults and children.
Marina Beach, a city beach in Kuwait, provides spectacular views of the city skyline and is unique for its abundance of palm trees compared to other local beaches.
Kuwait Airways, headquartered at Kuwait International Airport, serves as the national airline, connecting over 46 global destinations with a fleet of 17 modern aircraft. The airline recently climbed to the second position in on-time performance in the Middle East and Africa, up from sixth.
The airline has expanded its services through a codeshare agreement with THAI, linking Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur and including shared services to various destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Korea, the Far East, and Thailand. Additionally, Kuwait Airways has initiated a thrice-weekly summer service to Salalah, Oman, primarily using its Boeing B777-300 for most European routes.
Situated in Farwiniyah, Kuwait International Airport serves as the primary gateway to Kuwait City and functions as the main hub for Kuwait Airways. The airport complex also houses an Air Base, the Kuwait Air Force headquarters, and the Kuwait Air Force Museum.
In a recent update, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) noted that Kuwait International Airport managed 9,950 flights in March, marking an increase from the previous year, and handled over a million passengers. The most frequented destinations included Jeddah, Dubai, Cairo, Dhaka, and Doha.
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