After successfully completing the new Terminal 2 (T2) at the Kuwait International Airport (KIA), Kuwait rolled out a new transit visa scheme to boost stopover tourism.
The move could be the spark the Kuwait tourism sector has been looking for as it bids to catch up with its Middle Eastern counterparts.
However, the country’s conservative attitudes to popular activities such as gaming must change if they are to fulfil their tourism ambitions.
A Sensible Push into the Transit Market
Launching a short-term transit visa scheme is designed to bolster the Kuwaiti tourism economy. Travel numbers dropped drastically thanks to the pandemic, but they are climbing again.
Consequently, numerous airports across the Middle East are jostling to become the go-to connection between Europe and Asia.
Stopover tourism has become quite popular over the past few years. The new system will allow travellers to leave the Kuwait airport for a day or two to experience the Marseilles of the Gulf.
Kuwait is following in the footsteps of Dubai, Doha and Singapore by striving to convert stopovers into lucrative economic opportunities.
This policy is expected to attract transit passengers to Kuwaiti cities, hotels and cultural attractions, which will significantly boost the local economy.
What’s in It for Travellers and Kuwait?
Travellers can briefly escape the arduous airport process to explore attractions such as the infamous Kuwait Towers, Al Shaheed Park and Sadu House.
It is a chance to recharge their bodies and enjoy local hospitality. Kuwait also gains. The scheme will increase spending on hotels, restaurants, retail outlets and other tourist attractions.
Kuwait airlines will also benefit. When travellers know they can stop and do some sightseeing rather than wear themselves out in a stopover lounge, it is an incentive to use a Kuwaiti airline.
The visa scheme will drive ticket sales, encourage airlines to expand their route networks, and increase passenger traffic through the freshly completed Terminal 2.
Terminal 2 is a Game-Changer
T2 is one of the most advanced airport facilities in the Middle East. This $4 billion state-of-the-art edifice can handle millions of passengers annually.
Designed with the world’s largest building information modelling (BIM) 3D model, the infrastructure has been upgraded to rival airports in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. It will have 120 check-in desks and a 13MAP baggage handling system that sorts 2,930 bags an hour.
Dubai and Doha blazed the trail by pairing a world-class terminal with flexible visa options. The result was a massive boost to their tourism economy. Kuwait is keen on repeating the trick.
Kuwait is betting that transit passengers who usually overlook the country will now have a reason to stay, even if it is just for 24 hours.
The Gambling Question Kuwait Cannot Ignore
Kuwait must be ready to meet traveller expectations if they want to grow their tourism economy. One critical sticking point they will need to address is their ban on gambling.
Gambling is a taboo subject under Islamic law, upon which Kuwait operates, but it is a driving force behind the global tourism industry.
Some Middle East nations have already recognised the potential of the gambling sector by establishing a formal authority to oversee licensing and regulation.
Kuwait must reconsider their stance on gambling to become a proper leisure destination. They must establish regulated gaming zones or integrated resorts for international visitors.
Allowing physical and online casinos in Kuwait will attract more people from every corner of the globe and can establish the nation as the formidable tourist economy it wants to be.
Following the Blueprint
Kuwait is not the first nation to introduce this visa transit scheme. Numerous countries have been employing it in their aviation industry for many years.
They have enticed tourists with free city tours and generous hotel packages. The model has worked, but Kuwait must make adjustments to stand out from the crowd.
Many travel experts argue the transit visa scheme is the first step. If the policy succeeds, Kuwait will likely expand the program, extend stay durations or bundle stopovers with promotional packages in partnership with airlines and hotels.
However, all this will depend on whether the country is ready to shed its ultra-conservative skin. To pull in high rollers, Kuwait must modernise their entertainment scene.
