Workshop Measures Tourism’s Contribution to EconomyMuscat, 12 Oct (ONA) — The regional workshop on “Measuring Tourism’s Contribution to the Economy,” organized by the Statistical Centre for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC-Stat), emphasized the necessity of adopting comprehensive methodologies to measure the total contribution of tourism. This approach provides a more accurate and holistic picture of the sector’s true role in supporting Gulf economies and helps formulate effective policies based on evidence and reliable statistical data.The workshop was held under the patronage of Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism.The workshop discussed concepts for measuring tourism and their methodological frameworks according to international standards, mechanisms for linking statistical data and administrative records related to visitors and tourism expenditure, and the importance of integrating national sources to estimate the direct and indirect impact of tourism on GDP and employment. It was attended specialists and experts from national statistical agencies and relevant tourism entities in GCC countries, alongside representatives from relevant international and regional organizations.— Ends/AH